Joyce Marie (Opitz) Larson, age 91, of Warrensburg Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Warrensburg Manor Care Center.

She was born November 19, 1929, in Eden, South Dakota the daughter of Joseph and Hattie (Unger) Opitz.

On November 10, 1950, Joyce and Gene Larson were united in marriage in Brookings, South Dakota.

Joyce is survived by her husband Gene of the home. Her children: Steven Larson of Shawnee, KS, Bob (Laurie) Larson of Warrensburg, MO, John Larson of Blue Springs, MO, Craig Larson of Kansas City, MO, Jane Larson of Independence, MO, and Charles (Dana) Larson of Prairie Village, KS. Eight grandchildren: Kelly (Tim) Workman, Kristy (Brad) Case, Sara (Scott) Harding, Daniel Larson, Joan Larson, Zack (Sarah) Larson, Diane (Chris) George, and Allison Larson. Nine great-grandchildren: Spencer, Tessa, Tanner and Piper Case, Kale and Khloe Larson, Andrew Workman, Hazel and Houston Harding, and Liam Trotter.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Phyllis Steiner, Elvira Pitzl, Irene Pitzl; and Deward Opitz.

Joyce graduated from high school in Webster, S.D. Following her graduation from South Dakota State College, Joyce taught eight grades in a one-room school house in rural Brookings. Joyce earned her Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. She worked at the UCM Library, retiring after 32 years. Joyce was a life-long member of the Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends from 11 A.M. until service time at the church. Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Pallbearers will be Steven Larson, Bob Larson, John Larson, Charles Larson, Daniel Larson, and Zack Larson.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.