MOSCH, Florence (Larsen) 1916-2009

MOSCH, LARSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/5/2009 at 19:10:38

Florence Mosch, 92 passed away April 28, 2009.

She is survived by her son Roger A. Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama; three grandchildren: Tracie L. Kinard of Mobile, Alabama, Lyndie K. Lewis and Scott A. Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama. She is also survived by six step-children: Marilyn Farden, Sandy Kral, Roger, Mosch, Dick Mosch, Beverly Stassen, and Geri Horsch; 23 step grandchildren; 40 step-great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren -- many who are living in Minnesota.

Florence was the daughter of Lars & Gudina Larsen, Immigrant bakers from Norway who owned the bakery in Osage during the 30's & 40's. Florence was born in Washburn, Wisconsin, August 2, 1916.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Theodore & Leonard Larsen; a sister Gertrude Erickson; husbands, Sevryn A. Lewis and Martin Mosch.

As a member of the 'Greatest Generation' she persisted through serious illness including scarlet fever and polio. She recovered to walk again and serve during World War II working in various factories producing bullets and aircraft instruments for Honeywell. Florence married Sevryn Lewis of Rockford, Iowa in 1944 having one son. The family moved to Buffalo, Minn. In 1947 and then moved to Florida in 1950 where Florence lived until 1966 following the death of her husband, Sevryn, ion 1960. Sevryn is buried in Osage. Moving back to Buffalo Florence met Martin Mosch a widower and old friend from before the war. They married in 1967 living in Waverly, Minnesota, until he passed away in December of 1986. Their marriage provided many happy memories including travel in the United States and their favorite pass times of gardening and square dancing.

Following the death of her sister, Gertrude Erickson in late 1994 she moved to St. Martin's assisted Living of Birmingham, Alabama, in 1996 to be close to her son and his family. As her disabilities increased, her family also increased to include the many caregivers at St. Martin's. Although the dementia stole her memories and physical abilities, Florence continued to maintain a cheerful attitude and concern for those around her. The quality of care given by the staff at St. Martin's provided her with an extended family who helped to maintain the highest quality of life possible.

Service were held at St. Martin's Chapel in Birmingham, Alabama and at the Peterson Funeral Home in Buffalo, Minnesota. She will be laid to rest with her parents, brother and sister at the Osage Cemetery in Osage.

[Mitchell County Press online, 5/5/09 -- www.mcpress.com ]