Phyllis Anne Larsen

Phyllis Anne Larsen on January 14th, 1930, Phyllis Anne was born to Joseph and Mary Kramer on a farm in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. She was a shy, toe-headed blondie growing up on the farm where she helped with chores including bringing the cows in from the pastures at milking time. She loved animals, especially horses. She once tried to take a shortcut to school by cutting through a nearby pasture and riding the horse in that fi eld with a bridle that she made herself. She spent many summers at her oldest sister Gert’s house, helping with the housework and the children. She always said it was good training for the future when she would have a household of her own. After her father retired off of the farm, Phyllis and her parents moved across the Mississippi river to Winona, Minnesota where she graduated from Cathedral High School. After graduation Phyllis spread her wings and moved away from her parents, all the way to California where she stayed with her siblings who had previously moved here. She became involved in a church social group called the CYO (Kay’-oh) Club. It was at a CYO Club dance in June of 1951 that she met Jerry. They danced together that night, including the Jitterbug, during which Jerry attempted a quick spin, but Phyllis missed his hand and slipped to the floor. He always said that she “fell for him” that first night. It must have been true because only eight months later, they were engaged. On June 7, 1952, at age twenty-two, she married Jerry and became Phyllis Larsen. Only a few months after their wedding, Jerry was drafted into the Army and they moved to Salinas, California while he was stationed at Fort Ord. Phyllis became a mother at the Army hospital in San Pedro where Scott was born in November of 1953. Phyllis came home from the hospital to Jerry’s parents’ house which started their residency in Bellflower 71 years ago. The family continued to grow. Almost two years later, she had Tim and, in another year and a half, their third son Wes came along. With all of these boys, you can imagine what she prayed for. Three years later, her prayers were answered with a baby girl, Teri. After nine years, Teri was getting tired of all the boys, so God answered her prayer and... surprise... Kimberlee came along. Over the years, Phyllis found time to love and support each member of her ever-growing family. When the kids were young, she managed softball teams and helped kids practice sports at home. She and Jerry went to every extra-curricular activity possible for all of their five kids. They also attended performances and athletic events for the grandkids and great grandkids. She volunteered at church in the bookstore, got involved in school events, made meals for the homeless with her best friend Kay, and helped with Homework Club from time to time in Bellflower. She was a wonderful example to many, as a woman who found her hope and strength in Jesus Christ each and every day. Phyllis went home to be with the Lord and with her beloved husband on Wednesday, September 3rd. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and all of her siblings: her brothers Frank, James, and Edward, and her sisters Gertrude, Lorraine, Bernice, and Regina. Phyllis is survived by all of her five children, all but one of her eleven grandchildren, and all but one of her twenty-three great-grandchildren. Phyllis will be remembered for her love for God, her hospitality, and her kindness to all. She touched so many lives, sharing the gospel, even with her in-home caregivers. She prayed fervently for all of her family and loved ones. Graveside services were held on September 15th for the family, but all friends and family are invited to a memorial service and luncheon. Saturday, October 18, 2025, 11:00 am Bethel Grace Church 17909 Carpintero Ave. Bellflower, CA 90706 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of her favorite charities: Answers in Genesis: https://answersingenesis.org/donate/ Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: https://giving.billygraham.org/

Phyllis Anne Larsen

January 14, 1930 - September 3, 2025