Grace Maeta Larsen (1911 – 1983)

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Grace Maeta Larsen

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The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Tuesday, 8 March, 1927
pg 10
Union Grove

Celebrate Wedding Anniversary.
On Saturday, March 5, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Larson of this village celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary by entertaining several of their children and grandchildren at their home in the northwestern edge of the village. Those present at the happy occasion were Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Linton and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Monk, of Racine; Mr. and Mrs. F.L. LaBudde, and Mr. and Mrs. Glen Fadner and son of Wauwatosa, and Grace Larson of Union Grove. A 1 o’clock dinner was served, at which time a beautiful gift was presented the parents from all the children. Those of the family unable to be present were Mrs. Albert James and family of Pensacola, Fla., Arnold of Evanston, and Lawrence of San Antonio, Tex. Mr. and Mrs. Larson were married in Union Grove and have made this their home since that time. Both are prominent members of the Baptist church and are highly-respected citizens.

NOTE: This refers probably to the high school graduation of youngest daughter, Grace Larsen.
The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Thursday, 31 May, 1928
pg 12
Union Grove
Union Grove, Wis., May 30. — Among the home comers and others personally related to the graduates who came for the Commencement exercises Tuesday evening were Mr. and Mrs. Will Letsom, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Achen, Kenosha; Mrs. William Frook, Millicent and Edith, and Miss Emma Kautcky, Burlington; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Phelps, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Monk, Racine; Mrs. F. La Budde and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Fadner of Milwaukee.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Tuesday, 26 March, 1929
pg 11
Birthday Taxes Church Capacity

Baptist Ladies’ Aid Holds 50th Anniversary Celebration at Grove.
(By Staff Correspondent.)
Union Grove, Wis. — In spite of poor weather, the Baptist church was filled to the doors Saturday evening, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Ladies’ Aid society. Former members were there from Racine and other places, there was a delegation present from the Raymond church and from other churches of Union Grove, and good cheer and friendship mingled with the reminiscent spirit of the evening to make it a happy occasion.
The Junior Ladies’ Aid society was the entertaining group, and the members proved to be splendid hostesses, providing a fine program and a delicious lunch.
The most honored among the guests of honor was Mrs. James Anderson at Racine, the one remaining charter member able to be present.

The Program.
The following program was presented, with Mrs. George Hardie presiding as president of the Junior society: Piano music — Miss Grace Larson, who was accompanist for the evening; hymn — choir and congregation; welcome — Mrs. George Hardie; response — Mrs. John Larson; hymn, Blest Be the Tie That Binds — Junior Aid society; scripture and prayer — Mrs. C.H. Wilcox; Senior society report — Mrs. Louis Larsen; paper — Mrs. James Anderson; Junior society report — Mrs. Howard Peterson; music — Girls’ chorus; music, clarinet, violin, piano — Alice and Myrtle Hansen and Grace Larson; solo — Mrs. Ernest Erickson; talk — Pastor C.H. Wilcox; duet — Mrs. Eleanor Larson Linton and Grace Larson, accompanying with guitar and piano; violin duet — Christine Horner and Myrtle Hansen, with Alice Hansen at piano; vocal duet — Mrs. E. Erickson and Mrs. H. Peterson; vocal duet — Alice and Myrtle Hansen; hymn and prayer.

Congratulations Seniors.
In Mrs. Hardie’s address, she welcomed the members of the Senior society, and congratulated them upon their long period of organization and service and upon reaching the fiftieth milestone. She hoped that the Junior Ladies’ Aid, at this time celebrating its third anniversary, would be able to make as good a record in the years to come, and that they might have many more happy times together.
Mrs. John Larson, president of the Seniors, made a pleasing response, telling of their pleasure in being there and of their appreciation for the Juniors’ entertainment.

Service and Sacrifice.
The report of Mrs. Louis Larsen showed the sacrifices that have attended the long period of service. In January, 1879, the organization took place, with a few sisters as members, who wished to help in the support of the church and also the mission field. Each member pledged 10 cents a month, and took home sewing and knitting to be sold among friends. For a few years there was a large emigration to Union Grove from Denmark (about 35 families), which gave a good chance to sell the work. After 13 years a large number of the then young girls joined the society. Clothes were made to send to Africa to missionaries there, and the society held several bazaars and made good each time.
After about 10 years the younger members left, some marrying, some going to the cities, leaving just a few to carry on. The sewing was given up by not the devotional meetings. Once a month this little group of eight women meets, and there is always a good offering.

Society’s Presidents.
Mrs. Peter Jasperson was the first president, serving until 1887 and again in 1903, after Mrs. H. Ibsen was obliged to resign. Mrs. Jasperson held the office until her death in April, 1910, and was succeeded by Mrs. Peter Larson, who gave faithful service for eight years. Then Mrs. Engelbret Hansen held the office for two years, until the family moved to Racine. Mrs. John Larson is the fifth and the present leader, elected in 1920.
Some of the outstanding achievements mentioned were the amount of $3,373 raised during the 50 years. The missionary offerings have amounted to $1,636; $181 was given to the Danish convention for a missionary in Montana; $1,556 went to the upkeep of the church and parsonage; flood sufferers, hunger sufferers, sick and poor in this and foreign countries have been helped.

In a Reminiscent Vein.
The paper of Mrs. J. Anderson, charger member, was along a reminiscent line and very pleasing. She gave the names of the original group: Mrs. P. Jasperson, president; Mrs. J. Rasmussen, secretary; Mmes. P. Larson, J. Olson, C. Hansen, Peterson, P. Simpson and J.P. Anderson. After a couple of years an older group joined them: Mmes. Henry Jacobson, E. Winter, H. Hensen and H. Johnson. They knitted socks at 25 cents per pair, while the others sewed and made overalls at 20 cents a pair for a Racine store, and all were happy in their work.
Mrs. H. Peterson reported on the progress of the Junior Aid, just three years old and having nine members. They have accomplished good things and expect to carry on the work begun so long ago by the honored guests of the evening.
Officers of the Junior Aid include Mrs. G. Hardie, president; Mrs. J. Gabrielson, vie-president, and Mrs. Howard Peterson, secretary-treasurer.

Lunch and Social Hour.
Following the program, there was a social time during which the Juniors served a splendid lunch.
Among former members from away who were present were Mrs. J. Anderson, Mrs. Engelbret Hanson and children, Mr. and Mrs. P. Paulsen, Mrs. J.P. Nelson, Mrs. A.B. Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Olson, all of Racine; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Fadner, West Allis; Mrs. Mabel Larsen Bulles, Cleveland, and many from around the county.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Thursday, 29 August, 1929
pg 22
Union Grove
Baptist Sunday School Picnic
Tuesday proved an ideal day for the Baptist Sunday school picnic, which was held at Eagle lake and wan an enjoyable affair. Games and races furnished an interesting program during the afternoon and winners of races were as follows: Boy’s race — Orville Gabrielson; young ladies’ race — Alice Hansen; ladies’ dash — Mrs. Louis Monk; three-legged race — Grace Larson, Constance Morgensen; three-legged race for girls — Louise Hansen, Hannah Louise Taylor; same for boys — Niles Hansen, Arthur Hansen; wheelbarrow race — Harvey Hansen, Mr. Wilcox; one-legged race for boys — Orville Gabrielson; one-legged race, girls — Hannah Louise Taylor; backward race, girls — Hannah L. Taylor; backward race, boys — Niles Hansen, Orville Gabrielson; little girls’ one-legged race — Carol LaBudde; little girls’ backward race — Ethel Hansen, first; Delores Drinkwater, second; somersault race for girls — Ethel Hansen.
Miss Ada Ibson had charge of the amusements. Dinner and supper were served to the large crowd present.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Thursday, 15 August, 1935
pg 14
Union Grove
Brief News Items.
Miss Grace Larsen of the nurse’s training department at St. Luke’s hospital, Racine, is home for a three weeks’ vacation.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Friday, 16 August, 1935
pg 42
Union Grove
Brief News Items.
Miss Grace Larsen of the nurse’s training department at St. Luke’s hospital, Racine, is home for a three weeks’ vacation.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Wednesday, 18 September, 1935
pg 1
Probe Reveals Crash Details
Auto Hit While Turning Into Driveway Near Union Grove.
Investigation by Coroner E.B. Yanny and members of the sheriff’s department of an accident in which Mrs. Larson, wife of Louis Larson, also known as Ludwig Larson, was killed yesterday afternoon near Union Grove, revealed that the auto in which they were riding was being driven into the driveway leading to the farm of James Larson on Highway 11.
Another car operated by Arthur Dibble, of Antioch, Ill., following the Larson car struck the Union Grove man’s auto, causing it to topple over onto its side. In the crash, the door of the auto opened and Mrs. Larson was thrown out, and pinned beneath the car.
A third auto, preceding the Larson car, had turned into the James Larson driveway and its driver witnessed the accident. Mrs. Larson was the only person to suffer injuries. Some damage resulted to both cars.

Returning From Wife’s Funeral.
Mr. Dibble was returning from a northern city where his wife had been buried. He was bringing an aunt, Mrs. Rathe, of Manitowoc to Racine.
Accompanying Mr. Larson, besides his wife were Mrs. Elner Erickson and Mrs. Harry Erickson.
Deputy sheriffs were called at 6:40 last night to Highway 41 a mile south of Highway 20 where deputies found that a truck with semi-trailer driven by S. Tweeth, 426 Madison street, Eau Claire, Wis., and an auto operated by G.M. Smith, Route 2, Box 169, Racine, had collided.
Mr. Smith was driving east on a gravel road at the time of the collision. Riding in the Smith car were Mrs. Peter Soloniski and her four children who live on the Smith farm. One of the daughters suffered leg and head bruises and the others sustained bruises.

Funeral Friday.
Mrs. Larson, who was one of the oldest members of the Baptist church in Union Grove, is survived by her husband; two sons, Arnold, Desplaines, Ill., and Lawrence, San Antonio, Tex.; six daughters, Mrs. Al James, Pensacola, Fla., Mrs. Frank LaBudde, Milwaukee, Mrs. Glen Fadner, Mrs. L.P. Monk, Mrs. Elna Linton, and Grace Larson of Racine and 18 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at the Union Grove Baptist church, and burial will be in Union Grove cemetery. The remains may be viewed at Hanson’s chapel Thursday evening, and at the church from 12 noon Friday until the time of the service.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Tuesday, 24 September, 1935
pg 10
Union Grove
Union Grove, Wis., Sept. 22, — Funeral services were held at the Baptist church on Friday afternoon for Mrs. Ludwig Larsen, whose tragic death shocked and grieved the community. The church was crowded to capacity with friends from Racine and surrounding country, many of them, including Undertaker Hanson, having at some time been Sunday school pupils of Mrs. Larsen. Her devotion to home and church was paramount in her life, and her Christian influence has been valuable.
The Rev. C.H. Wilcox delivered the sermon, Rev. Hansen of Grove avenue Baptist church of Racine, read the scriptures, and Rev. A.Swenson of Columbus, Ohio, a former pastor, made remarks and offered prayer. “Home of the Soul” and “Saved by Grace” were sung by Mrs. Ernest Erickson and Mary Rotunda, with Louise Hansen at the piano. The Rev. F.N. Dexter of the Congregational and Rev. Frizelle of First Baptist church, Racine, gave closing prayers. Pall bearers were Harry and Ernest Erickson, Daniel Ibsen, Henry Anderson, Howard and Reuben Petersen and burial was in Union Grove cemetery.
Relatives from away who attended were children of the deceased, Mrs. Amy James, Pensacola Fla.; Lawrence of San Antonio, Tex; Arnold, Des Plaines, Ill.; Mmes. Gertrude La Budde, of Milwaukee, Jessie Monk, Eleanor Linton, Evelyn Fadner with their families, and Miss Grace from Racine.

Unknown Newspaper
September, 1935
Mrs. Hannah Christine Larsen
Mrs. Hannah Christine Larsen, wife of Ludwig Larsen of Union Grove, WI, was born in the neighborhood of Ringsted, Sjelland, Denmark, March 5, 1864. She was instantly killed Tuesday afternoon, September 17, 1935, when an automobile driven by Arthur Wibble of Antioch, IL, struck the Larsen car from the rear as Mr. Larsen was turning into the driveway at the John Larsen home east of the village of Union Grove.
Mrs. Larsen came to the Raymond community in her eighteenth year. At Christmas time in 1884 she yielded her heart to the Lord Jesus and shortly thereafter united with the Union Grove Baptist Church upon her confession of faith. She remained a staunch and faithful member all her days, highly esteemed as a devoted Christian among all her acquaintances. She was especially interested and active in the ladies organization of the church. She served as treasurer of the Mission Circle for many years, as well as in other official capacities.
Mrs. Larsen is survived by her husband; two sons Arnold of Des Plaines, IL, and Lawrence of San Antonio, TX; six daughters, Mrs. Al James, Pensacola, FL; Mrs. Frank LaBudde, Milwaukee, WI; Mrs. Glen Fadner, Mrs. L.P. Monk, Mrs. Elna Linton and Miss Grace Larsen of Racine, WI; and eighteen grandchildren and a host of friends.
May God in His own way and in His infinite mercy, comfort and cheer and sustain each one and all whose hearts are made heavy by her sudden departure.
Burial services were held from the Union Grove Baptist church. The funeral was said to be the largest ever held in that church. The writer was present and read the Scripture and led in the prayer. Rev. Albert Swensen of Defiance, a former pastor and personal friend of the family read the obituary and paid a personal tribute to the deceased. The Pastor H.C. Wilcox, brought a helpful message from Ps. 121. Burial was made in the village cemetery south of town.
L.E. Petersen.

The Racine Journal-Times
Racine, Wisconsin
Wednesday, 12 March, 1947
pg 18
Obituary And Funeral Notices
Larsen, Louis
1535 North 40th St.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Age 86. Passed away March 11 at the home of his daughter in Milwaukee. Born Aug. 25, 1860, in Brenderslev [sic], Denmark, he had lived in the United States for 65 years, most of them spent in and around Union Grove. He was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church. Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Alfred James, Pensacola, Fla., Mrs. L.P. Monk, Gary, Ind., Mrs. Glen Fadner, Oshkosh, Mrs. Elna Linton, Racine, Mrs. Frank LaBudde and Miss Grace Larsen, both of Milwaukee; two sons, Arnold, Des Plaines, Ill., and Lawrence of San Antonio, Texas; 18 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Union Grove Baptist Church, Rev. Henry Foss officiating. Burial in Union Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the Hanson Funeral Home Friday afternoon and evening, and at the Union Grove Baptist Church Saturday morning from 11 o’clock until time of services.

NOTE: Obituary for Amy Larsen James.
Pensacola News Journal
Pensacola, Florida
Wednesday, 28 December, 1949
pg 3
Obituary

Mrs. Amy J. James
Funeral services for Mrs. Amy J. James, wife of Alfred James, Sr., who died Tuesday at her residence, 600 West Belmont street, will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Lloyd-Fauria Funeral home, with the Rev. John D. Thomas officiating.
Burial will be in St. John’s cemetery, with the following serving as pallbearers: J.H. McCormack, J.J. McCabe, H.L. Marter, Robert Palmer, Howard Humphries, and Duncan McDavid.
Mrs. James was a native of Union Grove, Wisc., and came to Pensecola in 1916 from Bay Minette, Ala. She was a member of the First Baptist church.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. James Dracos and Miss Amy James; a son, Alfred James, Knoxville; two brothers, Arnold Larsen, Des Plaines, Ill., and Lawrence Larsen, San Antonio, Tex.; five sisters, Mrs. E.S. Linton, Racine, Wisc.; Mrs. F.R. LaBudde and Miss Grace Larsen, Milwaukee; Mrs. L.P. Monk, Gary, Ind.; and four grandchildren.