Joan Larson

Joan Esther Larson of Rockford passed away at home on April 25, 2026.  Born December 18, 1941, in LeMars, Iowa, Joan was the daughter of Harold and Astrid Pfaffle. She graduated from LeMars Community High School in 1960 and from Westmar College in 1965. Joan taught kindergarten and special education in Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. She earned a Master’s degree in education in 1993 from National Louis University in Chicago. She retired from teaching in 1999 from the Rockford Public Schools.

Joan married David C. Larson on August 10, 1968, in LeMars, Iowa.

Joan loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her cherished grandchildren. She was a long-time member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Survivors include husband David; daughter, Ellen (Mike) Musiak; son, John (Chris) Larson; grandchildren, Nicklas and Hannah Musiak, and Mark and Megan Larson; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Astrid Pfaffle; as well as her brothers, Thomas and Charles Pfaffle.

A family graveside service will be held at Scandinavian Cemetery, 1700 Rural Street, Rockford, IL 61107 on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12:00pm. A luncheon celebration of her life for family and friends will follow at 1:00pm at Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, IL 61114.   In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Joan's name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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