Roberta Lee Larson “Bobbie” passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the age of 88 after a heart- breaking battle with dementia.

Roberta was born May 15, 1935, in Lynn, Massachusetts, the daughter of Chester and Leona Fox. Her family later moved to Plainfield, Wisconsin where she completed her high school education.  Upon graduation she attended nursing school in Chicago, Illinois and began working as a RN at Cooke County Hospital. She later accepted a position at Rice Lake Medical Center in Stevens Point Wisconsin. It was there that she met her future husband, Carl Ralph Larson, on a blind date.  Ralph and Bobbie exchanged vows on October 11, 1958, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They have six children.

Bobbie’s love of children took her and her family on a journey. In 1971 she and her husband were offered dual roles as director and manager at Camp Tekawitha, a Catholic youth camp in Shawano, Wisconsin. She devoted 37 years to mentoring children and young adults in a Christian environment. In addition to directing the camp, Bobbie worked as a RN at numerous facilities including Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, and then became the school nurse at the Winneconne Community School District. There was never a child in need that Bobbie didn’t seek to help, whether it was a hungry child, or a camper who did not have the means to attend summer camp, Bobbie always found a way to provide for them. She was an advocate for all children.

Bobbie had a creative side and many hidden talents that some may not be aware of. She was a talented artist and loved singing while “tickling the ivories”. She could play the piano by ear and could often be found by her children singing her favorite Barbara Streisand songs when they arrived home from school. She was an avid baker and spent every Christmas season making a variety of cookies and bars and became adept at finding hiding places that her children (and husband) were unable to locate before the holiday arrived! She was also the family accountant and could squeeze a “buffalo out of a nickel”.

She was a fierce supporter of her husband and spent many years behind the bench watching him coach high school basketball. She always shared that her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising her six children.

Bobbie was treasured by friends and never met a stranger. She had an infectious laugh that could bring one to tears. She had a huge heart and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Carl Ralph Larson; their six children, Michael (Barbara) Larson, Mary Lynn Larson, David (Vickie) Larson, Mark Larson (Jean), Susan (Robert) Spence, and Robert (Margaret) Larson; her nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; four nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Fox; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Larson. She is also survived by their four-legged furry friend, Bambi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Leona Fox; in-laws, Carl and Doris Larson; brother-in-law, Eugene Larson; her brother, Ronald; and niece, Diana Fox.

The Larson family would like to extend heart felt hugs and sincere gratitude to the staff at Park View Health Center and Evergreen Memory care, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the devoted care and companionship they showered on Bobbie. They are also grateful to Compassus Hospice for the comfort they provided the family at this difficult time.  

A visitation will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Drive Winneconne on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a funeral Mass to immediately follow. A private burial will be held by her family at a later date.

In Bobbie’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association @ alz.org.

Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne is assisting the family. Please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.