Phyllis LaVonne Larsen

Phyllis LaVonne Larsen was born to Helen (Sieck) and Arnold Lebeck on June 10, 1937 in Harlan, Iowa. She attended grade school at Monroe Township #1 Country School and graduated from Walnut High School in 1955 with scholastic honors. Following graduating, Phyllis went on to attend Morningside College where she earned a two year Professional Teaching Degree. With this degree, she taught at 6 different schools as an elementary school teacher. For over 15 years, she also managed The Mustard Seed where she sold Christian books, music, gifts, and so much more and loved connecting with so many people while she did it.

Phyllis found the love of her life when she met Leroy Larsen. They were united in marriage on July 27, 1958. To this union, three children were born: Lance, Lona, and Lanette. They made their first home in Harlan and moved to the Larsen family farm in 1961. She enjoyed being a devoted farm wife until moving with Leroy to Harlan in 2016. Phyllis was a very active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She held many different roles there including: bell choir director, bible school teacher & music director, Luther League sponsor, call committee, confirmation teacher, Sunday school superintendent and teacher, circle leader; young adult sponsor, and lastly the president of the women of the church for over 15 years. Phyllis also served as a local and state officer for 9 years for American Lutheran Church Women. Outside of church, she was a very active member of her community. She spent her time being a 4-H leader, being the band parent president, coordinating the March for Jesus,and being a part of the Aglow leadership team. In her free time, she loved to bake treats for her family, church and community. She will be remembered by those who knew her by her gentle spirit, her many hours of playing cards, love of music, her skills in the kitchen, and her deep devotion to God.

Phyllis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at her home in Harlan, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Helen Lebeck; husband, Leroy Larsen; daughter, Lanette Larsen; brothers, Lynn and Gary Lebeck; and brother-in-law, Dan Knudsen.

She is survived by her children, Lance (Lori) Larsen of Harlan, IA, Lona Paganis of Fayetteville, AR; 3 grandchildren, James (Chandler) Paganis, Julia (Patton) Conroy, and Michael Larsen; 4 great grandchildren, Thea & Chapman Paganis and Bennett & Dawson Conroy; sister, Lorie Knudsen of Harlan, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.