Mildred Andrea Cornell “Mid” Larson, age 96, of Gladstone passed away on Sunday, August 17th, 2008, at the LakeView Assisted Living in Gladstone where she was currently residing. She and her husband, Marvin, were former longtime residents of 519 Minneapolis Avenue in Gladstone.

“Mid” was born July 10th, 1912 in Gladstone, the daughter of Z. Paul and Jane  Dorothea (Johnson) Cornell, attended the Gladstone School System and was a 1929 graduate of the Gladstone High School. While in high school, she was a cheerleader and was noted for her ability to get the crowds motivated during many sports activities.

From 1929 to 1935, she was employed as a kindergarten cadet teacher and as a cashier for the “Rialto Theater” in Gladstone and she enjoyed being a “Camp Fire Guardian” for Gladstone girls.

On September 6th, 1933, “Mid” married Escanaba native, Marvin M. Larsen, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. In 1935, “Mid” and Marvin moved to Rhinelander, Wisconsin where they were employed at the “State Theater” operated by Sam Miller of Gladstone. Their only child, David, was born July 24th, 1940.

Marvin relocated to Kirkand, Washington near Seattle in early 1943 to work in the “Lake Washington Shipyards” during the World War II military build up and “Mid” and David joined Marvin later that same year. While in Kirkland, “Mid” was employed at the Stewart Heights Nursery School and the Kirkland kindergarten. She also attended the University of Washington and was active in church activities in that area.

The Larsen’s returned to Gladstone in December of 1945 and in 1947, they built the first “A&W Drive-In Restaurant” in Gladstone. They operated the “A&W” until 1958 when they purchased the “Ben Franklin Store” in Gladstone, which they owned and operated until their retirement in June of 1974.
“Mid” Larsen was a long-time and very active member of the Memorial United Methodist Church and remembered and documented the early history of the church.  In addition, she was a member of the Gladstone Childs Welfare Organization and served as its’ unofficial historian. She was also a former member of Gladstone Coterie and the Gladstone Minnewasca Chapter #96 of the Order of Eastern Star.

Family and friends remember “Mid” as a person of vitality and as a friend of people of all ages and always worked very well with children.  Her positive thinking, warm smile, and genuine consideration of all persons, were natural traits of “Mid”. She was proud of all her family members and she will be missed by all who knew her.

“Mid” Larsen’s survivors include: David (Paula) Larsen of Stanwood, Michigan

3 Grandchildren- James, David, Jr., and Chad

5 Great-grandchildren; Ella, E.J., Zoe, Quinn, and Ida

Sister-in-law; Ruth Cornell of Bayview Manor, Gladstone

2 Nephews-John and Jim Cornell

1 Cousin- Fr. Robert Cornell

In addition to her parents, and her husband, Marvin, who passed away on July 30th, 1991, “Mid” was preceded in death by two brothers, Herb and Ralph Cornell, and by a sister, Margaret Kurtilla.

The family of Mildred “Mid” Larsen will receive friends on Thursday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. with Eastern Star Memorial Services being recited at 5:00 pm. Services celebrating her life will follow on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Luncheon will follow services at the Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery.