Carolelee Ann Larson (Retzloff)

SIOUX CITY -- Carolelee Ann Larson, 67, of Burbank, S.D., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital with her loving family at her side after losing her courageous battle with breast cancer.
Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at the church. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Carolelee was born Nov. 24, 1943, in Sioux City, the daughter of Reno and Delia Retzloff. She graduated from East High School in 1962 and attended Morningside College.
On June 29, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Larson, at St. Mark Lutheran Church. They lived in Sioux City until 1996, when they moved to Burbank, where they built their retirement home on the Missouri River.
In 1978, Carolelee began working as a classroom assistant and job coach in special education with the Sioux City School District. She proudly taught and served her students for 25 years.
She was active in her church community at St. Mark Lutheran Church, where she was a charter member, a Sunday School teacher and member of Leah Circle. She enjoyed spending time outdoors by boating, camping, gardening, car rides and even some Jeep racing back in the day.
Carolelee loved traveling in the RV with the love of her life. Whether it was a trip across the country to visit family and friends or to be with her grandchildren, Carolelee's family always came first. These adventures brought her so much joy and happiness.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Robert Larson; a daughter, Leisa Benson and her husband Jeffrey and grandchildren, Kathryn, Ashley and Lynette of Forest Lake, Minn.; a son, Robert Larson and his wife Diane and grandchildren, Nicole and her husband Brett and Emily of Omaha; a son, Jeffrey Larson and his wife Jodie and grandchildren, Gage and Grace of Sioux City; a daughter, Stacie Surrell and her husband Curt and grandchildren, Bryce and Brody of Burbank, S.D.; a brother, Larry Retzloff and his wife Francis of Ilion, N.Y.; and furry friends, Max and Sir Sammy Jo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reno and Delia Retzloff; The family takes comfort in knowing Carolelee is with her Creator and parents in heaven.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
Carolelee was an endearing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. All Who knew her were truly blessed. She will be in our hearts forever and always.
Memorials in her name may be directed to the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.