Obituary of Joanne Eva Larsen

Joanne Eva (Tigner) Larsen was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Mom was born on October 15, 1931, and grew up in the Okanogan Valley with her parents,
Elmer and Melvina Tigner, her sisters, Donna, Jean, and Dorothy, and her brothers, Melvin and
Bob.
The family moved from Eastern Washington in the late 1940s, where her dad pastored many
churches. They settled in Tacoma (University Place), where mom attended University Place
Elementary School and graduated from Stadium High School.
Pastor Tigner was head pastor at University Place Assembly of God Church on Mountain View
Avenue during the early 1950s. There, Mom met the love of her life, Donald Wesley Larsen. He
pursued her for a long time, and finally won her heart. They married on June 30, 1950—and
would be married for 66 years. Mom welcomed her new family, Kordeil and Mary Larsen and
their daughters, Rosetta, Carole, and Marianne.
In 1952, Mom and Dad welcomed their first daughter, Sheryl, and in 1956 their daughter,
Shirleen was born. Their family expanded to include their beloved sons-in-law Neil Holden and
Roger Gruener. They were extremely proud of their six grandsons and granddaughters in law:
Michael and Angela Gruener, Christopher and Nina Gruener, Andy and Jesie Holden, David and
JoAnn Gruener, Adam and Katie Gruener, and Brian and Lindsey Holden. Mom and Dad were
blessed with 16 great-grandchildren: Darryn, Caleb, Samantha, Jonathan, Wesley, Audrey,
Imogen, Harvey, Wyatt, Willamena, Gabrielle, and Addison Gruener, and Ellie, Ezra, Hadley, and
the newest, Elliot Jo Holden, who was born two days after mom’s passing.
Both Mom and Dad will be remembered for their unwavering faith in Jesus, love for family and
generosity of spirit.