Dorothy Lee Stearns-Larson

Dorothy Lee Stearns-Larson, 72, of Osage, MN passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at her home.

“Mrs. Larson” as she was known to her students, inspired countless young men and women to study the sciences and arts of life. She is fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched with her teaching and mentorship. This is why I chose to recognize her this year during Women’s History Month. She remains one of my favorite teachers. Mrs. Larson helped me to explore the galaxy as well as study the smallest of insects on this earth. She may have been a humble teacher, but she doubtless made her mark on history – not only by influencing my life, but the lives of all her students. Her life is proof you don’t have to make headlines or lead a revolution to leave behind a legacy.

Dorothy was born February 20, 1952 to Warren and Frances (Massey) Stearns in Park Rapids, MN. She graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1970 and from Moorhead State University in 1974 with a teaching degree. She taught High School Science in Petersburg, ND, Warwick, ND and Wyndmere, ND. After 33 years in the classroom, she retired from full time teaching in 2008, but continued to substitute for several more years. No matter where she was teaching or the subject being taught, Dorothy brought her passion for all types of science to her students, no matter their ages.

Dorothy met her true love, Thomas Larson, teaching in Petersburg. They were united in marriage on June 23, 1979 in Preacher’s Grove at Itasca State Park. Dorothy loved nature and the outdoors where she shared many adventures with her family and friends. She enjoyed canoeing the Boundary Waters, White Shell Provincial Park, and many other rivers and lakes in Northern MN. She took great joy in camping in the backyard or any place she could pitch the tent. Dorothy was always willing to play monster and night games, go to the swamp to catch tadpoles, or take all the kids swimming at the lake; which usually included ice cream at the store on the way home. Every walk in the woods was a science lesson and adventure!

Dorothy brought this same energy to her classroom with hamsters, skeletons, and even a frog named Jonah. Many students would go on to say, “Mrs. Larson was my favorite teacher, she made science fun.” Dorothy spent many hours taking care of her horses, going on trail rides, and taking kids for pony cart rides. She had a particular fondness for Appaloosa horses. She had many adventures, she swam with manatees, survived a buffalo stampede, and climbed into a bald eagle nest during a study on baby eagles! You never knew what kind of adventures she would have, she was always game to jump into the action.

Dorothy was a devout Catholic, often bringing her family with her to church to share her spiritual life with them as well. Dorothy loved her family and friends, many of whom she met in High School and College.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Thomas Larson of Osage. Sisters, Susan (Wayne) Odegaard of Alexandria, MN, Donna (Randy) Raeder of Christine, ND; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many life-long friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Frances Stearns; and her brother, James Stearns.