Muriel Larson named Outstanding Senior Citizen

If you’ve ever spent time in Gatzke, chances are you know the name Muriel Larson. She’s one of those people who’s always there…behind the scenes, helping out, stepping in and doing it all without expecting a bit of recognition. But this year, Muriel was on the receiving end of some much-deserved praise. She was named Gatzke’s Outstanding Senior Citizen and recognized at the Marshall County Fair in Warren on Friday, July 25th.

Muriel’s roots run deep in Gatzke. She grew up on a farm near town and went to elementary school right there before graduating from Middle River High School in 1963. After high school, she earned a one-year general clerical degree from the AVTI in Thief River Falls. Not long after that, she married Rick Larson from Middle River, and together they raised three children.

A big move brought their young family to Colorado, where Muriel stayed home with the kids for 14 years. Eventually, they made their way back to Gatzke and purchased the local store, which Muriel ran for the next 20 years. After that, she worked at Polaris Industries for over 12 years until her retirement.

But Muriel hasn’t exactly taken it easy since then.

She’s been a lifelong member of United Lutheran Church in Gatzke and continues to be a big part of church life. She’s part of the church council, a longtime treasurer for the United Lutheran Church Women and helps with all kinds of mission work. She’s made tons of quilt tops from home for the church ladies to finish up, and on her own time, she’s made about 100 lap robes to donate to those in need.

Outside of church, Muriel serves as treasurer for the Gatzke Senior Citizens group and delivers Meals on Wheels in the area through the Middle River Thief Lake Living at Home program. Over the years, she’s also taught Sunday School and Bible School, led 4-H and volunteered just about anywhere help was needed.

When asked what gives her the most joy, Muriel said it’s time spent with her family and friends. She’s a proud grandma of five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She also enjoys gardening and, of course, her volunteer work.

As for her thoughts on growing older? Muriel says, “Keep your mind and body active. Be thankful for each day God has given you to live on this earth.”

But even a long list of accomplishments doesn’t quite sum her up. Muriel is a humble, hard-working, down-to-earth woman who doesn’t want the spotlight. Still, anyone in Gatzke will tell you…if there’s an event going on, Muriel’s probably helping. If someone’s feeling lonely or unwell, she’s likely checking in. If there’s coffee to serve or dishes to wash, she’s already rolled up her sleeves.

Muriel Larson is just the kind of person who makes a small town feel like home. And though she’s now recognized as one of the county’s outstanding seniors, the folks around here already knew that a long time ago.