Wanda Frances Larson's Obituary
Wanda Frances Larson passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025
in her home in Cedar Park, Texas with her family nearby. She
was a dedicated servant of God, cheerful daughter, loving wife
and cherished mother.
Although her birth certificate says she was born in Menard,
Texas, Wanda was born on a small ranch in Hext, Texas on
December 16, 1930.
Wanda was the only child of proud parents
Robert & Minnie Mae Schaefer. Early in her life the family
moved to San Angelo, Texas and lived in two different houses on
Austin Street.
She attended school in San Angelo and completed
two years at San Angelo Junior College (now Angelo State
University). She decided to leave home for Abilene, Texas and
finish her degree at Abilene Christian College (now Abilene
Christian University). In 1952, she graduated from ACC with a
degree in Home Economics. She then moved to Coleman, Texas
and got a job as an Assistant Home Demonstration Agent, where
she worked with 4H girls and other women in the county.
The summer before graduation, while back in San Angelo, Wanda was invited to a social get together with
her best friend at the local Methodist church one Saturday night. Coincidentally, several pilots from the local
Goodfellow Airforce Base were also in attendance. One particular pilot that had just transferred in caught
Wanda’s eye and they really hit it off. His name was Harry Larson, and before the night was over Wanda had given her phone number to him! The next day on Sunday, Harry went back to the Methodist church to see the cute little thing he had met the night before, but she wasn’t there! He immediately called her once church was over. She told him that she went to the Church of Christ. Later that evening they met up and went to church at the Harris & Irving Church of Christ in San Angelo. Wanda studied with Harry, and he was baptized in 1952. Praise God!
October 25th, 1952 was a big day for Harry & Wanda. Harry received his Air Force wings & commission
from the Air Force and Wanda received her engagement ring from Harry!
Harry was then deployed to Korea for the Korean War and was part of the 13th Bomber Squadron. He flew
several bomber missions until the war ended in 1953.
After several Air Force related delays, Harry was finally able to come back home to San Angelo. Wanda and Harry were married on March 6th, 1954 and spent the next several years living in many different places:
Montgomery, Alabama – Harry continued with the Air Force until he was discharged.
Abilene, Texas – Their son Bob was born here in 1956 while they lived on the Abilene Christian
College farm. Harry also received his Bachelor of Science.
Brookings, South Dakota - Harry did his graduate work at South Dakota State
Rapid City, South Dakota – Their daughter Julie was born here in 1960.
Buffalo, South Dakota - Harry began preaching part time in Faith, South Dakota. It didn’t take long
before Wanda was sick of all the snow, so they packed up and headed south.
Winslow, Arizona - Harry started preaching full time.
After living in Winslow, the Larson family moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1969. Harry went to the University
of Arizona and then began teaching science at Marana High School. The family began attending the
Mountain Avenue Church of Christ in Tucson. Wanda was very happy with a good church and good
weather! Wanda worked as a School Aide for several years while Bob & Julie were attending school. Later
on, Wanda became the church secretary at Mountain Avenue and an Elder’s wife after Harry was asked to be an Elder for the church in 1970. Between the church jobs and motherhood, Wanda stayed very busy. Once Bob & Julie left home and Wanda & Harry became empty nesters, they joined the Sojourners organization and traveled around the country in their RV meeting like-minded Christians and helping small churches in many different ways.
When they weren’t traveling, Wanda (aka “Grandmom”) enjoyed time with her granddaughters, having
sleepovers, playing games, and reading stores.
In 2016, Harry & Wanda moved to Green Valley, Arizona to live with their daughter, Julie, and her husband,
Carl. In 2020, after the passing of Harry and Julie, Wanda moved to Cedar Park, Texas to live with her son,
Bob, and his wife, Patty. Many happy moments were enjoyed with the extended family during these years.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, her daughter, Julie Christopherson and her parents,
Robert and Minnie Mae Schaefer. She leaves behind her son, Bob Larson and his wife, Patty of Cedar Park, Texas; her son-in-law, Carl Christopherson of Pinetop, Arizona; her granddaughters Tonya Dodd and her husband Kevin of Florida; Amber Taber and her husband Travis of Sachse, Texas; Sandra Waggoner and her husband Zack of Pflugerville, Texas; her great-grandchildren Avery, Claire and Emma Dodd of Florida; Alexis and Toby Taber of Sachse, Texas; Juneau and Benny Waggoner of Pflugerville, Texas.
Wanda will be laid to rest next to Harry at Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, 3015 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
85705. Wanda’s graveside service will be held at 9am on Monday, April 28, 2025.
In lieu of sending flowers the Larson family asks that you send donations to:
American Macular Degeneration Foundation
To donate online check out their website at:
https://www.macular.org/want-to-help/donate
What’s your fondest memory of Wanda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wanda?
Share a story where Wanda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wanda you’ll never forget.
How did Wanda make you smile?
