Remembering Rowann Larson
Rowann E. Larson, retired Human Resources staff member, East Grand Forks, passed away June 28, 2021 at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, with her family by her side. She had fought a nearly three-year battle with cancer, and was 73.
Rowann Elaine Smart was born on June 27, 1948, in Grand Forks, the daughter of William Ardell (Chinky) and Ruth (Johnson) Smart. Rowann grew up in East Grand Forks and attended Sacred Heart School and graduated with the Class of 1966. On July 1, 1967, she was united in marriage to Ronald Larson in East Grand Forks. They made their home on the farm in rural East Grand Forks where they have resided for the past 47 years.
She attended Thief River Falls Technical College, graduating with a degree in Cosmetology. Rowann worked part-time as a beautician, retiring from Kays Kut & Kurl in 1996. She also worked part-time during the fall sugar beet harvest at American Crystal-Quality Lab.
Rowann worked at the University of North Dakota-Human Resources Department starting in 2005 until her retirement in 2015.
She and Ron enjoyed being ushers at their church for many years. Rowann was also a part of the Fisher Legion Auxiliary.
Rowann cherished time together as a family. She helped her daughters Rhea, Ranita and Rachelle with various 4-H projects with her love of sewing and baking. She also sewed many Christmas dresses for her granddaughters. She loved tending to her flowers, hosting gatherings for friends and family, and holiday decorating. She always had a smile on her face and made everyone feel welcome. Watching her grandchildren in sports and attending UND events with Ron were some of her favorite things to do. She will be remembered as the best wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend there is by all.
Loving family members who survive Rowann include her husband of 54 years, Ronald Larson of East Grand Forks; children, Rhea (Tyler) Grove of Audubon, MN, Ranita LaHaise of Scottsdale, AZ and Rachelle (Tom) Hinkley of Fargo, ND; 5 grandchildren, Ryan & Madison Grove, Dylan LaHaise, Travis & Andrea Hinkley; Brother: Rick (Marilyn) Smart, Sisters: Barbara (Marlow) Wolf, Lisa (Kevin) Lunski; brother in-law Randy Moe; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Susan Moe, Jill Jenkins; brother-in-law, Randy Jenkins; Nephews: Bill Wolf, Nathan Moe, Niece: Heidi Smart.
Visitation: 5 – 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service on Friday, July 2, 2021 at Hope Church 1601 17th Ave. S., Grand Forks, ND 58201
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Hope Church, 1601 17th Ave. S., Grand Forks, ND 58201 with visitation one our prior; service will be live-streamed on Rowann’s page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com
Inurnment: Oak Lawn Cemetery – Alvarado, MN Saturday following lunch at the church
