Myrna Larson, 79, died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Riverview Manor, Flandreau. Myrna was born March 27, 1932 to Richard and Ruth (Barclay) Gildemeister at Pipestone, MN. She was later adopted, through her mom's marriage, by Harold Nelson. Myrna grew up and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1950. Following graduation she worked for Bell Telephone Company in Pipestone. On May 4, 1951 Myrna married Dwayne "Shorty" Larson at Pipestone, MN. In 1952 upon Shorty's entry into the service they moved to Illinois and then later North Carolina and she worked various jobs. In the spring of 1956 they moved to a farm SE of Flandreau and Myrna learned to farm and was also a homemaker. She worked various jobs including being an assistant manager at Dakota Industries in Flandreau, assistant manager and manager at Pipestone Manufacturing and later was a clerk at Gambles True Value in Flandreau. Until Myrna's health declined in 2007 she worked as a part time bailiff for Moody County. Myrna enjoyed crafts, baking, sewing, flower and vegetable gardening and water skiing. She was a member of the Rebekah's, American Legion Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary and longtime member of the Flandreau Booster Club. She was a caregiver to many family and friends and always was willing to listen to others when they needed her.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Dwayne "Shorty" Larson, Flandreau; 3 children, Michael (Carol) Larson, Egan, Ruth Ann (Gordy) Christenson, Flandreau, Lisa (Todd) Sanderson, Elkton; 9 grandchildren, LiAnne Larson, Sarah Hemmer, Rick Larson, Kevin Christenson, April Edberg, Daron Christenson, Kyle Sanderson, Scott Sanderson, Amy Sanderson; 10 great-grandchildren, Ian, Ashleigh, Emma, Owen, Tanner, Dylan, Bryce, Sladen, Brody, Braxton; 3 brothers, Charles (Alice) Nelson, Pipestone, Daryl (Buffy) Gildemeister, Dell Rapids, Dennis (Mary) Gildemeister, Lake Park, IA; 1 sister, Shirley (Sparky) DeReuter, Rock Valley, IA and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ruth Nelson and Richard Gildemeister.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:30 AM at United Methodist Church, Flandreau with burial at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 PM at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau with a prayer service at 7PM.