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Mary A. Larson, 80, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, following a short illness. She was born on June 24, 1945, to Harold and Amelia Hallgren, in Norway, Michigan.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University, Mary relocated to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she began her teaching career as a high school Home Economics teacher at South High School. She later continued her education, earning a Master of Arts degree in Education. Mary taught at South for over 30 years, retiring in 2000. During her tenure, she created the parenting lab at South High School, where teen parents received daycare assistance while completing their high school education. Mary truly cared about her students and wanted each of them to succeed.
Mary cherished spending time with her husband, Raymond D. Larson. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling to their second home in Norway, Michigan, as well as exploring destinations across the country. Mary had a deep love for all things food. Mary delighted in collecting cookbooks, reading recipes, preparing meals, browsing menus, sharing food with others, and was perpetually writing grocery lists. She especially enjoyed every opportunity to dine out with friends and family. Mary’s honesty, strong will, and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew her.
Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Amelia Zastava (David), Eric Thielhelm (Monica), and Paul Thielhelm (Mary Lynn Schneider), her sister, Constance Hallgren, her five grandchildren, Cole Zastava, Christian Zastava, Erica Thielhelm, Andres Thielhelm, and Caroline Thielhelm, and many nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her parents, her sister, Charlotte Vachon, and her brother, Kenneth Hallgren.
A public visitation will be held for Mary from 3:00pm – 5:00pm on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center (W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan, WI 53083). A time for memory sharing will take place after visitation at 5:00pm. Mary will be buried at 9:00 AM the following day at Norway Township Cemetery in Norway, Michigan; no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary’s son, Paul Thielhelm (Venmo: @PaulHarold or mail), who will distribute all gifts equally to Mary’s grandchildren to assist with their education. To leave an online condolence message to the family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
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