Charlotte Ann Larsen, age 86, of Dexter, MI, passed away from complications related to COVID-19 on December 9, 2022.
Char was born on December 7, 1936 in Muskegon, MI, as the youngest child of Leslie and Marie Fonger.
She graduated from West Michigan Christian High School in 1954, and went on to graduate from Calvin College in 1958 with a degree in music education. She married her high school sweetheart, Timothy Larsen, in 1959, and began her lifelong work with children as an elementary school teacher in Muskegon area public schools.
Over the years, Char’s passion for music, worship, and children’s education led her to many different roles, serving as music director, church organist, choir director, piano teacher, and music leader of countless Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other events. Her love for people and passion for ministry also led her to roles helping develop worship materials for the Christian Reformed Church and teaching others about children’s music.
Besides being an accomplished musician and educator, Char was also simply a kind and dedicated servant of the Lord. She used her incredible gifts of organization and hospitality to welcome countless people from around the world to her family’s home and table; she was passionate about sharing the Gospel and showing God’s love. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and a supporter to countless missionaries, international students, neighbors, and friends. Even as her mobility was reduced later in life by MS, Char remained incredibly active planning events, keeping involved in various ministries, sending thoughtful notes and cards to friends and loved ones, and finding ways to be of service.
Char is survived by her husband, Tim Larsen of Dexter; three children, Kirk (Shirley) Larsen of Decorah, IA, Erik (Christy) Larsen of Chelsea, MI, and Kristin (Sean) Fry of Anchor Point, AK; ten grandchildren, Kelly (Jack) Organ, Karl (Erin) Larsen, Kendra Larsen, Sam Larsen, Katy Larsen, Jimmy Larsen, Maria Fry, Hunter Fry, Annika Fry, and Karina Fry; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Marie Fonger; and her siblings, Charles (Kate) Fonger, Johnny (Betty) Fonger, and Kathy (Bob) Niemeyer.
Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Dexter United Methodist Church in Dexter, MI.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Dexter United Methodist Church. To watch the event by Livestream, please follow this link.
Her body has been donated to the University of Michigan to support medical research; a burial service for her ashes will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Faith in Action or the UMRCPH Foundation Benevolent Care Fund.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.
