June Ellen Larson
June 19, 1933 ~ December 15, 2019
“Not very tall, not very small, but fair and sweet, and liked by all.”
That phrase is alongside the Belleville Township High School yearbook senior photo of June Ellen Larson (née Blim) of Princeton, Illinois, who passed away on December 15th, 2019.
It is impossible to estimate the number of people who benefitted from her kindness and generosity. A warm smile and soft chuckle comforted many, whether it was the sick or disabled who received her mobile meals, or the grandchild who needed a hug (or a cookie) from Nana June. Not to be lost in her personality was an astute wit, said through a clever remark, or an expression and grin that would say exactly what was on her mind. But perhaps her greatest kindness was a patient and listening ear, happy to hear your news, a story, or happening from the day.
She never stopped moving forward because there was always someone who needed her: the church, her family, and her friends. Neighbors would observe her complete a brisk walk (proudly wearing the bright red visor of her beloved St. Louis Cardinals), get straight in her car, and head into town to do something that would make someone else happy. In exchange for her countless acts of kindness, she wanted absolutely nothing in return. She avoided recognition and gave for the sake of giving – because she knew the smiles it would bring. We are all forever grateful for having been blessed with her gifts of love and affection.
June was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois on June 19th, 1933, the 5th of 7 children of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Blim. She graduated from Belleville Township High School and attended Belleville Junior College. While residing in Belleville, she met her husband of 60 years, David T. Larson. Along with Mr. Larson, she is survived by four children: Diana Larson of Scottsdale, AZ; David P. Larson and his wife Marcy of Chicago, IL; Elena Davis (née Larson) and her husband Joseph of Camarillo, CA; and Daniel Larson and his wife Suzanne of Doylestown, PA. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Ben, Dayna, Mikaela, Trevor, Camille, and Paige.
June is preceded in death by her sister Joyce Arnold, and brother Paul Blim, both of Belleville, Illinois. She is survived by two sisters, Ginny Voland and Audrey Buchmann of Belleville, and two brothers Merle and Don, from Eugene, OR and St. Louis, MO, respectively.
A visitation will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Princeton at 10:00am on Monday, December 23rd, followed by a service at 11:00am. A lunch will be provided in the church fellowship hall immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in June’s honor to the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
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