Dorothy J. Larson (nee Haugen) of Valparaiso, formerly of Miller, passed away April 29, 2008 at Gabeson House in Valparaiso. She was 82.

She was born in Oswego, Kan. on July 25, 1925 the daughter of Joseph and Florence (Gibson) Haugen, both of whom preceded her in death. The family later moved to Oklahoma and then to Northwest, Ind..

Dorothy is survived by her children, Raymond Larson Jr. of DeCatur, Ga., Patricia (Ronald) Irwin of Lowell, and Keith (Beth) Larson of Valparaiso; grandchildren, Scott (Tanya) Irwin of Lowell, Melissa (Fred) Gonzalez of West Ellis, Wis., and Rebecca Irwin of Lowell, John Larson of Valparaiso; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Lambert of Lowell, Josie Taylor of Lowell, Max Franco of Lowell, and Letisa Gonzalez of West Ellis, Wis.; Brother Joe (Joanne) Haugen of Myrtle Creek, Ore.; brother-in-law Russell (Iris) Larson of Chesterton, and sister-in-law Doris (Lee) Thrasher of Miller. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and her caregiver and friend Hildegard Haydl of Valparaiso.

Dorothy was also preceded in death by her husband Raymond Larson, a sister Virginia Cutchall and half brother Jack Gibson.

She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Miller. A choir member, member of the ladies auxiliary and altar guild. She was a long time member of Paws and Taws Square Dance Club in Michigan City.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 10: a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Interment will be in Burstrom Cemetery.

Friends are welcome at the Funeral Home on Friday, May 2, from 2 until 7 p.m.

Contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 N. Montgomery, Gary, Indiana or Gabeson House c/o the family. www.ee-fh.com

Posted 5/1/2008