Janet Sue Larson, age 67, passed away Friday morning, October 30, 2020, at her home in Wells with her husband by her side.
Janet was born April 12, 1953, in Escanaba, the daughter of John and Joyce (Pearson) Ferrari. She was raised in Escanaba and was a 1971 graduate of Escanaba High School.
On August 17, 1973, Janet was united in marriage to Clement “Tod” Larson Jr. Together, the couple moved to Kalamazoo for a few years, before returning to the Upper Peninsula. Here, they made their home, raised their two sons, and enjoyed many wonderful years together.
Throughout her life, she was employed at AAA Insurance, Lincoln Video Plus, and Wells Township. Janet also served on the PTA for Wells Elementary School. She loved to play volleyball, softball, and tennis and made many lifelong friends through these activities. Janet also shared her love of sports by coaching both Little League baseball and volleyball teams. As a volleyball coach, she led the Holy Name girls team to a championship season and coached both Escanaba boys and girls Winter Olympics teams to medals, in Iron Mountain. Additionally, she loved to cheer on and attend Green Bay Packers games.
Janet loved to have a house full of kids. Her home was fondly referred to as “Grandma’s House”, Kids Spoiled Here!”. It was common for Janet to have a car full of kids on their way to spend the day at the beach or off on another wonderful adventure. She was known as a “second mom” to many of her son’s friends. She was a beloved “Auntie Janet” to her many nieces and nephews. In a moment’s notice, Janet would load up the car and head to Kalamazoo, to visit her nieces and nephews. She would leave with a simple call to her husband, Tod, stating “Taking the kids downstate, I’ll be back.”
In addition to her husband Tod, Janet is survived by two sons, Clement (Katy) Larson III and Neil (Gina) Larson; four grandchildren, Olivia, Henrik, Josie, and Calvin Larson; three brothers, John (Jean) Ferrari, Jim (Sheri) Ferrari, Jeff (Ellanie) Ferrari; and one sister, Jill Pryal. Also surviving are Janet’s brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Janet’s parents, John and Joyce, preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be held privately by the Larson family. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Lisa Cooper - Escanaba, Mi
Sincere condolences to Jill and the rest of Janet’s family. Her friendly spirit will be missed here on earth.
Tom And Bonnie Royer - Wells , Mi
Our Deepest sympathy to the Larson and Ferrari family’s
Terry Marcotte - Manhattan, KS
My heart is broken today. My beloved babysitter, second mom, friend and gambling buddy is gone. My blessing go out to Tod, the boys and the whole family. She was certainly one of a kind. We all will miss her dearly.
Love always, Chicken
Bob and Judy Cappeart - Gladstone, Mi
Janet was a good friend! We played many softball games together! As stated in the above she always had a smile on her face and a heart full of gold! She will be missed by all! Todd and family know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! We lost a good one! God bless all of you!
Sally Couchene - Hudson, WI
Dear Tod & Family,
I will always remember the great times my Mom & I had with Janet when I was visiting. She was such a fun loving person. My prayers go out to you & your family.
Sincerely,
Sally Couchene
Judi LaCosse - Escanaba, MI
My deepest sympathy to Todd and family. Janet was a full loving, full of life, funny lady who liked to have fun and laugh. She always had so much energy. She will be greatly missed by many. May our Heavenly Father bless her with eternal peace.
Denise Messina - Cornell, MI
I feel like my life has been forever blessed by Janet’s friendship since the days our paths first met playing Rec. Volleyball at the civic center. Working together at the Video Store. Always so many smiles, love laughter, fun and excitment whenever she was around. So many great memories that my family will hold dearly for many years. Always our last Halloween stop of the night. We saved the best for last and now it will never be the same, but we will smile and remember our beloved Janet!
Tod, Clem, Katy, Neil, Gina, grandkids and all of the extend family we send our Love, hugs, thoughts and prayers through this difficult time and the days to follow. Thank you all for letting us be a small part of your family.
Chris Desalvo - Escanaba, Mi
So sorry for your loss. Janet was the warmest, kindest soul. Full of life and always brought a smile to those around her! She knew pretty much everybody! She will be missed but hoping you find comfort knowing she is no longer suffering. The memories to cling to must be endless! Keep those close through these difficult times. They will make things bearable. My sympathies to those who knew and loved her. ❤️❤️
Cindy - Escanaba, MI
RIP Janet. You will be missed by many.
Tracy and Gary Branz - Gladstone, MI
God has definitely received an angel. Tod and Janet were excellent neighbors to my parents and my mom just loved her as I did. So glad I called and had a chat with her not too long ago. Jan, you will be greatly missed. I know my parents will be so happy to see you again! RIP dear friend.
Toni Fitzpatrick - St. Louis, MO
Sorry to read this. We were cousins, but grew up many miles apart, so I didn’t get to know her. (Also we were about 12 years apart.)
My condolences to her family.
Dana. L. VanDrese - Rapid River , Mi
R I P Jan you were a great Ole friend from long ago. Your wonderful loveable laugh was a Hoot to be around always. I will miss that. My Heartfelt condolences go out to you Clem and to your Family…..
Beth Cavadeas - Gladstone, MI
Deepest sympathy to Janet’s family. She truly was a kind fun loving person. I’m glad I got to know her over the years. Rest well Janet. You will be missed
Miles Anderson - Escanaba, MI
I worked with Janet for many years at Wells Township. Janet was always happy and had a smile on her face. How she loved to play volleyball. My condolences to all your family on your loss.
Cindy Bintner - Escanaba , Mi
So sorry to hear about Janet’s passing. She was always enjoyable to be around. Praying for all of you.
Bruce & Cindy Bintner
Tony Millette - Escanaba, MI
Clem and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. Janet was one of the good ones, she will be missed!!
Michael Peterson - San Diego, CA
Deepest sympathy to all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Jen (Jacobsen) Pare - Gladstone, MI
So sorry to hear about Janet’s passing. Every time I saw her she always said hello with a smile on her face. She will be missed.
Jaylene Brown - Wells, MI
Clem, Katy, and family
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our sympathies to you all at this time.
Jason, Jaylene and family
Brett Way - Wells, MI
My neighbor, my friend, we miss you…. Even though you did make me believe there was a giant snake in your garden until I was about 10 years old! The street won’t be the same without you, but all of us “nerds” and “pissants” will think of you often. Rest easy Janet.
Shannon Samuelson - Granbury, Tx
My condolences to the Larson Family.I had the pleasure of knowing Janet.Her smile was contagious.She was the sweetest person,always happy.I don’t remember ever seeing her without a smile on her face.
R.I.P you beautiful lady
Brenda Lippens - Bark River, MI
My deepest sympathy to all of Jan’s family. I first met Jan many years ago playing volleyball at the civic center and then I had the good fortune of seeing her again when she coached the volleyball team at Holy Name. Both of my daughters had Jan for a coach and loved her contagious personality and encouragement. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Arts - Appleton, WI
Tod & Family So sorry to hear about Janet, She was always so good me and always made me laugh such a great friend, she will be missed. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Gary Lehman - Escanaba, MI
Our deepest Sympathy to Clem and Janet’s entire family on Janet’s passing! She was such a joy to all those that have known and loved her. RIP my friend!
Kathy Grill - Escanaba, MI
To the family of Janet, So sorry for the sadness in your hearts. I only got to be a part of Janet’s life through volleyball…and what a joy it was to be known as a friend through this small part of her life. Do hold on to all of the wonderful memories you have of her and know that one day you will be able to enjoy those with her again. Her love will remain with you on this earth. With Caring Thoughts and Prayers,
Lois pinar - Escanaba, Mi
Our sincere condolences in your loss of Janet. She battled that diabetes like a trooper. I enjoyed the many times we saw each other and talked about so many different things we were both interested in what a lady and a good friend RIP JANET..TIL WE MEET AGAIN
Wendy Pepin - Escanaba, MI
Todd and family – I’m saddened to read about your great loss. I can picture her with the grandkids, enjoying music in the park, or simply taking them out for the day. She always had a smile on her face and greeted everyone she knew. And she knew everyone! May you all find peace in the coming days.
Kelly Arnold - Escanaba, MI
My sincerest condolences to Janet’s entire family and her many friends. She was as much a part of my family as anyone could be. When she was your friend you knew you always had her in your corner, she was a loving & fearless friend. Her love and laughter will be missed until we meet again. Our days at the beach, the pool and trivia adventures are some of my fondest memories and bring a smile to my face. Tod, Clem & Neil, I pray you will find strength, comfort and peace. Love to you all.
Gay Kleikamp - Bark River, Mi
Janet was such a very dear friend. I always knew when she finally showed up we were going to have a great time. We would laugh til our sides hurt. So,so many wonderful memories. I’m going to miss you my friend. Gay-Gay