WAYNE — Leola “Lee” Larsen, 95, Wayne, died Aug. 20, 2026, at Riverview Health Care Center, Flandreau, S.D. Visitation was at Hasemann Funeral Home, Wayne. Burial was Aug. 27 at Green wood Cemetery, Wayne. Leola Barbara (Lee) Larsen was born Aug. 20, 1931, in Pierce County, the daughter of Joseph Ernest and Martha Sophia (Kortje) Wagner. She was baptized and confirmed at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk. She also attended parochial school from the third through the eighth grades. She graduated from Norfolk High School in 1949 and Norfolk Junior College in 1951 with an associate of arts degree in education. Lee married Don “Blackie” Larsen June 3, 1951, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk. The couple farmed in Wayne County until 1966, and she taught in rural schools. While living in Winside, Lee graduated from Wayne State College in 1971 with a bachelor of arts degree in education. In 1972, the couple moved to Wayne, where she worked in the nursing department for ov er 24 years at Providence Medical Center, retiring in 2000.

She enjoyed reading library books, quilting at the Senior Center, gardening, doing family history research and spending time with fam ily and friends.

Lee’s family includes her daughter, Brenda Larsen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; son, Roger (Eve) Larsen, Randolph; three grandchildren, Christie Larsen, Randolph; Kevin (Heidi) Larsen, Norfolk; and Barbara Larsen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; three great-grandchildren, Alison Korth, Kenna Nutzman and Kaden Nutzman; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Lee in death were her parents; husband, Don “Blackie,” Dec. 7, 2000; an infant sister; grandson, Brandon Larsen; four brothers- in-law; three sisters-in-law; two nephews and one niece.

Memorials may be directed to Grace L utheran Church and the Wayne Senior Center.