Jean Caryl Larson (nee Duff), of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer at the age of 89. She was born in Peoria, Illinois to James Duff and Hazel Duff (nee Sullivan).
Jean graduated from South Charleston High School in West Virginia in 1954 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Virginia Intermont University. On September 2nd, 1961, Jean married the love of her life, Dr. Lawrence S. "Larry" Larson. Together they built a marriage and family filled with love and devotion that spanned more than six decades.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Larson; her children, Lawrence "Chip" Larson (Mary), James Larson (Janelle), and Kristin Besler (Brian); and her cherished grandchildren, Jacob Larson, Andrew Larson, Calvin Larson (Danielle Penk), Bradley Larson (Taylor), Emily Beeck (Zak), Lauren Oddo (James) and great-grandson Teddy. She is further survived by her brother and sisters-in-law, Chuck and Karen Larson and Sue Buehler, along with nieces, nephews, extended family members, best friend Carol, and other dear friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, James and Hazel Duff; her sister, Jane Husson; brothers-in-law, Louis Husson and Earl Buehler; and nephew Steven Buehler.
Jean enjoyed Friday fish fries, attending performances at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, making a perfect cherry pie and cheering on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers and Marquette. Jean and Larry shared an interest in travel and explored the world together. She also treasured many visits to Florida to see Jim and Janelle and created countless memorable spring breaks in Cocoa Beach with the Skelton and Tschopp families.
Jean embraced life with enthusiasm. Over the years this energy included rounds of tennis, racquetball, bowling, golf, and countless competitive games of bridge. She was a voracious reader who was rarely without a book in hand, and she loved classic movies. Jean approached her battle with cancer the way she embraced life, with fierce strength, determination and courage. Jean set many short term goals over the past 6 years. She was able to participate in birthdays, weddings, vacations, and holidays. She converted to Catholicism and was blessed by Father Phillip, became a great grandma to the world’s most adorable baby (although this claim may soon be challenged), delighted in Daniel’s desserts, discovered the world’s best key lime pie and insisted on innumerable cocktail hours and gatherings of friends and family.
Above all else, Jean was the matriarch of the family she loved so fiercely. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with Larry in Palmyra on Blue Spring Lake. Whether it was hosting gatherings, relaxing on the screen porch, waving to the Andersons across the lake, or heading out for the beloved 5:00 p.m. "booze cruises," Jean enjoyed every moment. She was well known for offering expert boat-docking instructions, as well as cooking corn-on-the-cob to perfection. The days spent surrounded by the people she loved most were truly the highlights of her life. Our Jazzy Jean will be remembered as the Ridge Runner and “Cweed” queen who possessed beautiful courage and strength, and shared extraordinary love with her family and friends.
Jean’s family wishes to thank Dr. Ruggeri and Dr Tschopp, and the oncology and hospice teams from Aurora, for the compassionate and truly expert care she received.
Visitation Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 10:00am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am at Christ King Catholic Church, 2604 Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa. Private interment St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Christ King Parish.
