ANNE ELIZABETH (BURKHOLDER) LARSEN
“Gracious One”

At the age of 72 years, Anne graduated to Glory at her home in Central City, NE, on “bust out day,” March 11, 2011, to ever be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Celebration of Life (physical and eternal) service will be Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Community Bible Church in Central City with Pastor Don Larreau officiating. Burial will be in the Central City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, March 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Community Bible Church in Central City.   Wagner Funeral Home in Central City is in charge of arrangements.   

Anne was born on November 17, 1938 in Quakertown, PA to Dr. Harold and Barbara Burkholder.  In her younger years, she attended elementary schools in Downy, CA and Omaha, NE; she attended Ralston High School and graduated from Salem Academy in Salem, OR in 1956.  For two years, Anne attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha where she worked for Inland Manufacturing.  There she met Gilbert Larsen.  They were married on June 2, 1962 at Grace Bible Chapel, Omaha.  After seminary in Denver, Gil and Anne ministered in Minneola, KS for 4 years before coming to Central City, NE where they had the pleasure of pastoring a loving family of believers for 33 years.  To this union, three children were born:  Sheri, Deb and Colene.  Extremely content to be a stay-at-home mom, Anne was always there for her kids whether it was to bring a forgotten lunch to school or to attend numerous sporting or musical events.  After school, she would be there for them and any of their friends…usually with cookies. J 

At a young age, Anne was led to Jesus Christ by her mother.  She had an incredibly quiet, kind and gentle spirit – a true example of a consistent Christian life.  Never one to complain, Anne was a constant encouragement to all around her.  From birthday lunches to cards for every occasion, Anne was always up for a cup of coffee and a good conversation.

Vacations were a highlight of Anne’s life.  From family trips to various bus tours with Gil, Anne managed to visit all 50 states.  Last year, being the last state of Hawaii with her three daughters.  She also had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land, Austria, Mali, Egypt, Brazil and England.  And every place she went, she would tell of the wonderful foods she had – she loved a good meal!

She used her spiritual gift of “helps” to meet the needs of her family, friends and her church.  She was active in many small group Bible studies and various prayer meetings.  She was also an active member of TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), Happy Homemakers Extension Club, and Lone Tree Singers.  In addition, she cleaned offices for Dr. Zikmund and Dr. Gacke. For most of her adult life, Anne taught Sunday School, was a summer camp counselor, and worked with the little kids she loved in the AWANA Sparks program.  During that time, she passed on her love of memorizing the Word of God.  Ever a giver, Anne was also part of the ten-gallon blood donor club.  And if you ever needed a meal, Anne would line that up!  She had the uncanny knack of knowing everyone’s name and phone number by memory.

Her grandchildren – Makenna Bryant, Bryan and Brandon Larreau, Ally, Austyn, Alyx and Aaryn Callahan were her true heart’s delight.  She would spend special time with each of them and would never forget to send cards and special treats on any and every occasion!  M&M’s were a favorite treat!  Her grandkids truly loved and treasured her…never has there been a better grandma!

Survivors of the immediate family include Anne’s husband, Gilbert Larsen of Central City, NE; three daughters, Sheri (Clyde) Bryant of Ogallala, NE, Deb (Don) Larreau of Yreka, CA, and Colene (Bob) Callahan of Colorado Springs, CO, seven grandchildren,  two brothers, three sisters, two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.  

Anne was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Robert Busenitz.

She loved everyone around her and was loved by all...how could you not love Anne.  She truly lived up to the meaning of her name, “Gracious One”.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:  Grace University, Omaha; Nebraska Christian Schools, Central City, NE; or Maranatha Bible Camp, Maxwell, NE.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wagnerfuneral.com. 

Pallbearers – Bryan Larreau, Brandon Larreau, Allyson Callahan, Alyxandra Callahan, Austyn Callahan, Aaryn Callahan

Music – Vocalist – Colene Callahan “It Is Well With My Soul” and “I Will Rise                             

            Guitarist- Brandon Larreau

            Vocalist – Sue Ritta  “We Shall Behold Him”

            Pianist – Karen Senkbile

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