Theresa "Teri" Jo Larson, 59

Theresa “Teri” Jo Larson, age 59, of New Prague, died peacefully, with her family at her side on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Methodist Campus in Rochester.  Teri was born on June 23, 1964, in New Prague, to Francis “Fritz” and Judy (Pint) Ruzicka.  Teri attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School through 8^th grade, was a 1982 graduate of New Prague High School and went on to attain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winona State University.  A young man had his eye on her in high school, but it wasn’t until a few years later that the relationship blossomed and grew.  Tim Larson and Teri were married on April 15, 1989, at St. Wenceslaus Church and made their lives and raised their daughters in New Prague.  Teri epitomized the word “caregiver”.  She loved nursing and worked at a few hospitals and most recently at New Perspective Senior Living.  Teri was confident in who she was and her naturally compassionate, kind, and loving nature was evident in every aspect of her life.  She always put others before herself and was concerned about their comfort and welfare.

Teri was ambitious and always looked for a “project”, whether it was something new in cooking, gardening, or perhaps, crocheting.  She was a great cook, had a beautiful garden, and had started dabbling in crocheting.  She was an avid reader, enjoying especially mysteries and anything that her daughter recommended.  After surviving ovarian cancer in 2018, the cancer reappeared with a vengeance in the form of an aggressive leukemia in 2023.  Teri took that on with the courage and determination that she had shown throughout her life.  Her journey was valiant and through it all, she showed others grace, care and concern, and compassion.  She made friends easily and her family was the center of her life.  Her kindness and compassion, and her beautiful smile will be missed by all.

Teri is survived by her husband, Tim, of New Prague; daughters, Molly Larson of Le Sueur, Annie (Steven) Ramberg of Wadena, Sarah Larson of Barnesville; Father, Fritz Ruzicka of New Prague; Parents-in-law, Marvin & Janice Larson of New Prague; sister, Linda (Glen) Bauer of Belle Plaine; brother, Mike (Annette) Ruzicka of New Prague.  She is preceded in death by her mother, Judy Ruzicka; stepmother, Judy Adams Ruzicka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating.  Mass will be live streamed on npcatholic.org.  Visitation will take place Sunday from 4-7 p.m. and Monday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Burial will take place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall.