Winifred Esther Larson

Winifred Esther W. Larson, 82 of Oshkosh died Friday, May 6, 2011 at home following a brave battle with cancer. She was born in Two Rivers, WI on July 21, 1928 daughter of Herman C. and Esther A. Cattau Wentorf. On June 19, 1954 she married Clifford E. Larson in Two Rivers, WI.Winifred (Winkie) was a graduate of Washington High School in Two Rivers and earned a bachelors degree in Home Economics and Fashion Merchandising from UW-Madison.As a dedicated community volunteer and having a great enthusiasm for life, Winifred was involved in many organizations and leadership roles including being a founding member of the Milwaukee Symphony League, Oshkosh Symphony League (past president), and was a lay person on the Wisconsin Attorneys Grievance Committee for ten years. She also enjoyed being an active member of Antiques Club, Bridge Club, Garden Club, Paine Art Center and Arboretum, and serving as a long time Girl Scout Leader. She and her husband were members of the First Congregational Church in Oshkosh. Winifred took pleasure in knitting, the arts, and was an avid gardener and observer of nature. She was particularly delighted to have a daylily named in her honor by hybridizer Nan Ripley which is recognized by The American Hemerocallis Society, Winifred Esther.Winkie is survived by her children, Karl (Cyndy) Larson of Two Rivers, WI, David (Anne) Larson of Madison, WI, Ann (Thomas) Hutchins of Des Moines, IA, and Jane Larson of Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren, Erik, Kyle, Kaitlin, Christine, Jennifer, Ryan, and Andrew. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford E. Larson and her sister Dorothy A. Wentorf.Private family service will be held with an inurnment at Pioneer Rest Cemetery in Two Rivers, WI. A public memorial celebrating the lives of Clifford and Winifred Larson is being planned for a later date this summer. Memorials may be given to the Clifford E. Larson Deans Fund for Excellence for the College of Business at UW-Oshkosh, and may be addressed to Jane Larson 9420 N. Maura Lane, Brown Deer, WI 53223.