Debra “Debbie” Jean Larson, age 74, of Soldiers Grove, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her sisters on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Vernon Manor. She was born on June 7, 1952, in La Crosse to the late Arthur and Bertha (Young) Larson. Even though Debbie was born with a disability, she did not know that she was different. She was a “true Grove girl” and was very well liked by all. Debbie brought so much joy to many people and had an easy time making friends. She was a jokester and was not afraid to call you “a nutty fruitcake” or ‘Hound Dog,” especially when playing cards.
Debbie could not attend school with the other kids her age due to schools not having Special Education classes, however, she attended the Cook School and graduated high school with the class of 1973 at the age of 21. Debbie began working at the Opportunity Center in Prairie du Chien, where she worked for many years. Debbie overcame many health challenges in her life, and kept moving forward, living a life filled with joy. She taught us the meaning of love and kindness. Debbie was the manager on many of the North Crawford volleyball teams and would sit on the bench cheering everyone on. She also marched alongside the Soldiers Grove High School band for years. Deb loved watching the Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer football teams and the Milwaukee Brewers on her tv in her room while doing her dot-to-dot books while having a Diet Mountain Dew on her desk. She especially loved her family and her pets, especially her cats she had over the years.
Blessed be our memories of Debra “Debbie” Jean Larson.
Survivors include her sisters, Sandy Mason and Kay (Martin) Herbst, her half-sister, Sherry (Bob) Rainey and family, her nephews and nieces, Lance (Jill) Mason, Arthur (Kelly) Herbst, Kim (Mike) Rommes, and Jennifer (Richard) Pearce; her great nephews Maverick and Marshall Mason and Justin Pearce; her great nieces, Madyson, Emma, and Nyah Rommes and Vivian Pearce; several special cousins; other relatives and many friends.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and her two nephews, Rich Mason and Charles Herbst.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove, North Crawford Rescue Squad, or the activities department at Vernon Manor.
A funeral service for Debbie was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove. Visitation was held from 10 am until the time of the service. Debbie was laid to rest at Ebenezer Cemetery, rural Fennimore, WI, with her parents and other family members. Online condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.
Debbie’s family would like to thank the staff at Vernon Manor and St. Croix Hospice for the care they provided.
