- Born on: October 30, 1925
- Departed on: July 22, 2023
- Resided in: Davenport, IA
Dawn Marilyn (Wilmer) Larson
Dawn Marilyn (Wilmer) Larson, 97, passed away on July 22, 2023, at home with family. Service of Life, Death and Resurrection will be held August 1, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 21 E. Franklin Ave., Naperville, IL.
Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Karen Larson of Davenport, IA, Margaret (Larson) Arbetman of Davenport, IA, Jon Larson of West Chicago, IL and Carol (George) Kritselis of Elgin, IL, five grandchildren, Michelle (Tim Dowling), Alexander and Andrew Kritselis, Brian (Beth) Arbetman, and Jennifer (William) Garrison; seven great-grandchildren Aiden, Ethan and Dylan Arbetman, Noah, Molly and Matt Garrison, Vivian Dawn Kritselis Dowling; her sister-in-law, Lois Larson, and many other relatives and friends.
Dawn was born October 30, 1925, to George and Wilhelmina (Hagen) Wilmer in Park Ridge, IL. Dawn spent her childhood in Park Ridge and graduated from Main Township High School in 1943. She attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin and graduated Magnum Cum Laude with a degree in history. In 1947 she met Elmer Larson, Jr. and the two were married May 19, 1951. They made their home in Downers Grove, Illinois until the couple retired to Palm Harbor, Florida. While in Downers Grove, Dawn and Elmer loved and raised their four children.
Besides being an active homemaker and devoted wife and mother, Dawn was employed by the Fuller Brush Company, and by Service Merchandise in their jewelry department. Once she and Elmer moved to Florida, Dawn turned her attention to other activities. She was President of the Highland Lakes Women’s Club, taught exercise class and enjoyed Maj Jong, ceramics, and needlework. In 2007, Dawn and Elmer moved to Vinton, IA to be with their daughter, Karen. After Elmer died, Dawn moved with Karen to Waterloo and Clinton, IA. She was an active member of the United Methodist churches in these towns before moving to Davenport, IA with daughters Karen and Margaret.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Genesis Hospice 2546 Tech Dr. Bettendorf, IA 52722.
