Delores Deanne Larson—affectionately known as “Dodie”—was born on January 8, 1938, in Ogallala, Nebraska, to Myles and Ethel Thurber. She passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, surrounded by the family she spent her life loving, supporting, and caring for.

Dodie was raised in a lively household with three sisters and four brothers, where she learned early the importance of family, patience, and looking out for one another. Those values stayed with her throughout her life and became the foundation of the family she later built. She graduated from Hershey High School in Hershey, Nebraska, where she played sports and developed a lifelong love of sports. She followed women’s athletics closely and often remarked—sometimes with a hint of playful envy—how glad she was to see women’s sports receive the recognition she once wished had existed during her younger years.

After high school, Dodie attended Luther Junior College in Wahoo, Nebraska. It was there she met the love of her life, Alton Larson, and the man who would become her friend, husband, and steady companion. They were married on July 6, 1958, beginning a marriage that spanned 67.5 years and was marked by loyalty, teamwork, and deep affection.

Together, their greatest legacy was the family that began with the birth of their first son, Marc (1959), followed by Mike (1961), Morris (1964), Milan (1966), and Mitch (1970). Life with five boys was energetic, sometimes chaotic, and always busy. Dodie met each season with calm steadiness, humor, and a feistiness she developed while surrounded by all her boys.

Dodie began her career as an elementary school teacher, a role she held for six years and that fit naturally with her patient and nurturing spirit. She later chose to stay home, devoting her time and energy to raising her sons. Her faith and church were high priority, and it mattered deeply that her children were raised in the church. Wherever the family lived, Dodie volunteered to teach Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, serving quietly and consistently.

Family life was filled with traditions and simple joys. Summers were spent camping, fishing, and boating, with many evenings gathered around the campfire telling stories, laughing, and making s’mores. Those moments became some of the family’s most treasured memories.

As her sons grew older and began bringing their future wives into the family, Dodie was genuinely delighted. She loved welcoming “daughters” into her life, and her daughters-in-law always felt her acceptance, warmth, and sincere care.

Dodie lived with a quiet presence that left a lasting impact. She was deeply selfless, always attentive to the needs of others and instinctively making sure everyone felt seen, included, and cared for. Her humor was subtle and perfectly timed. She loved being in the kitchen and could whip up just about anything, took pride in decorating the table, and happily served as the family taste tester. She loved coffee, chocolate, jewelry, shopping, and smiled with her eyes. A stop at the casino to try her luck on the slot machines was always part of the fun—especially since luck often seemed to be on her side. She was also, without question, the luckiest card player the family had ever known.

Dodie is survived by her husband of 67.5 years, Alton Larson; her sons and daughters-in-law: Marc (Corina) of Bismarck, ND; Mike (Dawn) of Bismarck, ND; Morris (Kay) of Farmington, MN; Milan (Jaymie) of Windsor, CO; and Mitch (Shannon) of Windsor, CO. In addition to her sons and daughters, she survived by her cherished grandkids: Payton Larson, Bismarck, ND; Parker (Sophie) Larson, Bismarck, ND; Noah (Claire) Larson, Billings MT; Hannah (Zach) Podoll, Kansas City, MO; Austin Larson, Bradenton, FL; Shelby Larson, Farmington MN; Chase Larson, Minneapolis, MN; Emiley (Landon) Ford, Loveland CO; Annika (Josh) Nummer, Phoenix AZ; Audrey (Dylan) Johnson, Fort Collins CO; Alise Larson, Fort Collins CO; Amelia Larson Windsor CO; and Mathew Larson, Windsor CO; great granddaughter, Harper Podoll, Kansas City, MO; and great grandson Jedidiah Ford, Loveland CO. She is also survived by one sister, Linda (Phil) Kuenle, Thedford NE.

While we are confident Dodie was greeted in heaven by our Heavenly King, she was also welcomed into heaven by her mom, dad, 6 of her brothers and sisters (Winton Thurber, Marvin Thurber, Ron Thurber, James (Jim) Thurber, Wanda Boggs, Nancy Johnson), and one great-grandson, Lincoln James Podoll.

From the family: Dodie was the quiet heart of our family - the one who noticed, who listened, who made sure no one was left out and everyone was cared for. Her love showed up in a warm meal, a well-set table, a shared cup of coffee, a knowing smile, or simply her steady presence. While we will miss her deeply, we are grateful for the life she lived, the example she set, and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in all of us.

We cannot express enough gratitude for all of the health care professionals who provided great care for mom in her final days, especially the Hospice Care of the Valley in Arizona…they were so kind and “angels among us.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks to make a donation in honor of Dodie to the House of Prayer Extended Ministry Funds, House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND.

The memorial service will take place at House of Prayer, 1470 S Washington St, on Saturday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a lunch at the church.

A visitation time will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, ND.

Burial will take place at a later date at Rural Augustana Lutheran Church Cemetery, Sheyenne, ND.