Carol Larsen Obituary

Carol Ann "Cari" Larsen passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 77.
Cari was born on August 19, 1948, in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Harold and Orvella Larsen. She spent her early years in Clifton, WI, a place she remembered vividly and spoke about often, usually with humor and just enough embellishment to make the story better. She liked to say her early responsibilities included keeping her brothers in line, helping make sure the family bar was running as it should, and spending endless hours with a close-knit group of neighborhood playmates. Those years, rooted in family, hard work, and community shaped the way she moved through the world for the rest of her life.
More than anything, Cari was proud of her family. Being a sister, aunt, and eventually a great-aunt was not just important to her, it was her anchor. She showed up, usually late, but when she arrived, she paid attention. She followed the details of her nieces' and nephews' lives with genuine interest, celebrated their milestones, and offered encouragement that was steady, specific, and sincere.
A lifelong learner, after graduation from Tomah High School, Cari attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an experience that shaped both her mind and her heart. While there, she formed friendships that became lifelong, friends who were confidants and a support system for more than 60 years.
Cari's career reflected her curiosity, adaptability, and belief in the dignity of work. Starting in the 1970s, she took on a wide range of roles, each with energy and pride - from dorm cafeteria dish room staff and waitress at Paisan's to a traveling seed saleswoman, medical profession recruiter, and later nursing home administrator. In the later years of her career, she found particular purpose at UW Campus Lutheran Church, where she served as an English as a Second Language instructor and led cooking classes for international students. It was a role that perfectly combined her love of teaching, her commitment to service, and her deep spiritual faith. Whatever the job, Cari did it fully and did it well.
To her nieces and nephews, Cari was the quintessential fun aunt - equal parts participant and enthusiastic cheerleader. She could often be found in the middle of a spirited backyard wiffle ball game, taking her turn and encouraging everyone else to do the same. She believed fun should be intentional and educational when possible, so trips to sporting events, museums, the zoo, and other small adventures were common. She was fiercely competitive in family euchre tournaments and unfailingly loyal on the sidelines, following her nieces' and nephews' sporting lives with true devotion. When great nieces and great nephews arrived, she embraced that role with the same energy and delight, ready to teach, encourage, and cheer them on.
An avid reader, Cari was a longtime member of the Plato Book Club and believed deeply in the value of curiosity and learning. She loved sharing that passion-often mailing a thoughtfully chosen book for a birthday or "just because," a quiet reminder that she was always paying attention. Beyond books, she followed Wisconsin sports with steadfast loyalty, found happiness in her garden and baking and cooking for family and friends.
Travel brought Cari joy and perspective. She especially treasured trips to various Asian countries, where she visited friends she had met through UW Campus Lutheran Ministries. She also returned year after year to Prince Edward Island, a place that brought her peace. No matter how far she traveled, she never missed an opportunity to be present for family gatherings in the Tomah area.
Cari was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Orvella Larsen; her sister, Grace Schara; her brothers, Ken, Chuck, and Rick Larsen; and an infant sister, Joyce.
She is survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews: Terri (Scott Martinek) and Jeff (Debra) Schara; Jeff (Lori), Jay (Missy), and Josh (Amy) Larsen; Stephanie, Heather (Jim Smiezek), and Aaron "Bud" (Gretchen) Larsen; Lindsay (Bryan Pritchett) and Brian (Mary) Larsen; as well as her great and great-great-nieces and nephews, her sisters-in-law Nani, Sandy, and Debbie, extended family, and dear friends who will continue to tell her stories, always with a smile. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Abiding Shepherd Lutheran Church, 406 West Cottage Grove Road, Cottage Grove, WI. Pastor Nate Abrahamson will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. An additional Celebration of Carol's life will take place in Tomah and will be announced. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.