Kay Charlotte Nerhus Larson

April 15, 1938 - December 7, 2019

Kay Charlotte Nerhus Larson was called to be home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 7, 2019, after a short illness. A service honoring Kay’s life will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, at Badger Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Scott Meier officiating. Interment will be in Hovey Cemetery. Visitation is 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Badger Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Valdon Nerhus; her son, Terence Nerhus; her sisters, Maxine and Leone; and brothers, Kalcie, Wayne, and Eugene. She leaves a wonderful legacy. She is survived by her second husband, Brian D. Larson. Her four children: Randal Nerhus, Des Moines, Iowa, Timothy (Karen) Nerhus, Eagan, Minnesota, Scott (Paula) Nerhus, Badger, Iowa and Valori Kay Bross (Brad), West Des Moines, Iowa, and her daughter-in-law Joyce (Terry) Nerhus, Fort Dodge, Iowa. Also cherishing her memory are her fourteen beloved grandchildren: Melanie (David) Boehnke, Lucas (Raena) Nerhus, Austin (Lindsey) Nerhus, Loren Nerhus, Spencer Nerhus, Preston Nerhus, Jacob (Kalee) Nerhus, Kai (Liz) Nerhus, Logan Casady, Lacey Casady, Chase Casady, Grant Casady, Allyna Bross and Valdon Bross. She was equally thankful and proud of her eight great grandchildren: Charles Boehnke, Samuel Boehnke, Greta Boehnke, Graham Nerhus, Harrison Nerhus, Andrew Nerhus, Lily Nerhus, and Sylvia Casady. She is also survived by her sisters Beverly (Dick) Peterson, and Vivian Hanson and many loving nieces and nephews. Kay’s marriage to Brian added to her family Eric, Karl, Brent (Larson) and their respective families. Kay Charlotte Lowry was born at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on April 15, 1938, the last of eight children born to Kelly and Viola Lowry. She spent her childhood living in the town of Callender and loved every minute of it. She adored the social aspect of living in a small town and spending time with her many friends and relatives. She was so proud to grow up across the street from Our Savior’s Lutheran church in Callender, where she learned about Jesus and developed her strong Christian Faith. She enjoyed telling stories of her youth and how fortunate she was to grow up in a loving family who always opened their home to others. She often spoke of her humble beginnings, but was so proud of her family. She was especially proud of her family members who served in the military, both past and present. She graduated from Callender High School in 1955, and attended one year at Fort Dodge Junior College. Kay and Valdon were married on March 2, 1957 at Badger Lutheran Church in Badger, Iowa. She quickly adapted from small town girl to farmer’s wife. She made delicious chocolate cake, large family meals and hosted holiday gatherings. When it came to entertaining, Kay was extremely talented down to every last detail. Her home was always decorated with care, her meals were amazing and she always made every guest feel welcome. They started farming by Vincent, Iowa and in 1972 moved to the family farm north of Badger, Iowa. She kept busy doing farming tasks, cleaning chicken eggs, and herding pigs. She also drove the corn picker for a number of seasons until smashing the center snoot on a rock, after which she never ran the corn picker again. Her church, family and community were her life. She served on the board, sang in the choir, participated and led bible studies. One of her favorite activities at Badger Lutheran was preparing and enjoying the annual Norwegian Supper. Music was her passion, expressed by playing piano, soloist and being an active member in the church choir. Kay was also a soloist at many weddings. She will leave many great memories by all of the lives she touched Kay’s life was generously given in service to the Lord.