Jerri Lee Hoyem Larson peacefully “slipped into her next life” while being held in the arms of her loving husband on Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, at the age of 65. She died of natural causes.  

She graced the Flathead Valley on Dec. 21, 1947. She was born at Kalispell General Hospital, the second child of Elaine (Dorrah) and Randal E. Hoyem.

Jerri lived in Kalispell for most of her life. She attended Peterson and Elrod grade schools, and seventh and eighth grade at Linderman and Central School. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1966.  

A tall and beautiful Jerri modeled for Kalispell Mercantile, Montgomery Ward and Buttrey’s Department Stores, as well as many others. She participated in the Kalispell Junior Miss Program, sharing her vocal talents. Throughout her life she exemplified elegance, grace and beauty. She loved to laugh and brightened others with her sense of humor.

During her sophomore year in high school she met the love of her life, Tom Larson. Dating throughout high school, Tom and Jerri married on Feb. 11, 1967, in Fort Erwin, Calif., while Tom was serving in the United States Army. Tom and Jerri were each other's best friend, confidant and lifelong partner. They were married for 46 years. Tom “was her everything.” Theirs was a true love story.

She worked for First State Bank in Whitefish. Her love of children encouraged her to serve as a 4-H Leader, touching the lives of many youth in our community.  

Tom and Jerri have one son, Eric Larson, who is an executive chef working in the San Francisco Bay area. One of Jerri’s great accomplishments was being a mother. She shared her love of cooking exceptional meals, gardening and the ocean with her son. She was very proud of his accomplishments and was in close contact with him throughout her life.

Some of the joys of Jerri’s life included animals, cooking, gardening, music, fishing and snowshoeing. She enjoyed Ashley Lake and spending time in nature. Fond memories include the many trips that Tom and Jerri made to the Oregon Coast.

Creativity abounded in Jerri’s life. She shared her artistic gifts with friends and family and studied art throughout her life. Her art mediums focused on photography, stained glass, pottery, painting, abstract and modern art, while bringing nature into many of her pieces.

Jerri was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Larson; son, Eric Larson; brothers, Denny and Ron Hoyem and their spouses; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

A celebration of Jerri Larson’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell. A reception will follow the service. Memorials may be sent to Brendan House, 350 Conway Dr., Kalispell, MT 59901.

A private burial service for family members will be held prior to the celebration at the Spring Creek Cemetery, which had special meaning to Jerri, as the property was partly owned by a great-grandfather prior to it being donated to the Spring Creek Cemetery site.  

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jerri’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Jerri’s tribute wall.