Gail Margaret Larson, age 67, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 3, 2013; after her battles with Breast Cancer and Leukemia. Gail was born April 18, 1946, to Raymond W. and Lucille F. (Sauer) Quick. She was educated in the Eau Claire Public Schools, graduating from Memorial High School in 1964. In 1968, Gail received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She taught in Wausau, Wisconsin; Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; and did much substitute teaching within the Eau Claire Public School System while raising her three children. Sometime later, Gail received an Associate Degree in Information Processing from Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire. Additional studies in the area of law, led her to a career in the paralegal profession. Gail traveled to many places and had many experiences during her lifetime. She and her husband, "Rollie", traveled to London where she saw the Crown Jewels; climbed Diamond Head in Honolulu on their Silver Wedding Anniversary; and was granted a tour of the nuclear submarine, USS Helena, while in port. On that tour, she stood between and placed her hands on a Mk 48 Torpedo and a Tomahawk missile simultaneously. When her husband retired from the Army National Guard, Gail received a special recognition award signed by the Governor, for her "support of the troops" over a period of fourteen years. Along with her son, Michael, she enjoyed taking karate lessons; earning a "Green Belt." Injuries in an automobile accident, prevented her from going further in achieving a "Black Belt." Of all her life experiences, she always stated that the "greatest" were when she was present in the delivery room when each of her five grandchildren were born. After only a 2 week courtship with her husband, "Rollie", he presented her with an engagement ring at a "lookout point" in Lakeview Cemetery, saying only, "Here, this is for you!" She never did hear the words, "Will you marry me?" This became a standing joke between the two of them and shared with so many family members and friends over the years. After all of these years, Rollie finally admitted to me that the reason that he didn't ask me to marry him, was because he thought that I'd turn him down. On July 12, 1969, these two classmates were united in marriage, a marriage lasting 44 years. During her adult life, Gail served as a Chairperson for the Education Committee at her church, the Secretary of the Church Council and its Treasurer, along with serving as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Through her going through the Stephen Ministry Program, she learned to become a better listener and a more compassionate person of those in need of support and comfort. She loved to sing, sew, crochet, knit, scrapbook, raise flowers, play her Clavinova, play dominos; and generally, "goofing around" with her grandchildren. Gail was predeceased in death by her parents, grandparents, and many other wonderful aunts and uncles. Gail is survived by her husband, Roland Larson, and her daughters, Julie (Michael) Critchfield, Mondovi, Wisconsin; Margaret (Michael) Perri, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and her son, Michael (Lori) Larson, Mondovi, Wisconsin. Surviving grandchildren are: Hannah, Joseph, Rebekah, and Sarah Critchfield, Mondovi, Wisconsin; and Emma Perri, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Also surviving her are "special granddaughters" through her son's marriage to their mother, Lori: Laura (Mitch) Berger; Meghan (Trevor) Rud; and Sophie Poeschel; and great-grandchildren, Kaylen and Colin Rud; Ian Berger, and Paislee Poeschel. Gail's surviving siblings are Janet Sellers, Franklin, Wisconsin; Susan (Russell) Kaul, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Richard Quick, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Roger (Rebecca) Quick, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Surviving nieces and nephews are Timothy (Brenda) Kaul, Fall Creek, Wisconsin; Kristen Wiley, Menomonie, Wisconsin; Reverend Carolyn Sellers, Burlington, Wisconsin; Jonathan Sellers, Franklin, Wisconsin; Reverend Stephanie (Jorge) Espinoza, Denver, Colorado; Rachel Pennig, Mendota Heights, Minnesota; and Samuel Quick, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Surviving Great Nephews are Jacob Kaul, Fall Creek, Wisconsin; Blas Simon Espinoza, Denver, Colorado; and Jack Pennig, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Gail was a member of and strong advocate for Saving Grace Lutheran Church. Her Service of Christian Burial will be held at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, located at 2124 East Ridge Center (corner of S. Hastings Way and Spooner Ave), Eau Claire, on Monday, September 9 , 2013, at 11:00 A.M. Pastors Rolf Nestingen and David Irgens will conduct the service. She will be laid to rest next to her parents and other family members at Lakeview Cemetery. Balloons of Pink, Orange and Red will be released by family members representing her fight against Breast Cancer, Leukemia and the love they had for her. She will be greatly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, many family members, and her special friends. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Sunday, September 8, 2013, at Lenmark-Gomsrud- Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue, Eau Claire, and one hour prior to the church service at Saving Grace Lutheran Church (2124 East Ridge Center) on Monday. Gail requests that floral arrangements be made through Petal Pusher Floral, Mondovi, Wisconsin, (715) 926-3999. The family acknowledges a SPECIAL THANKS to the staff of Mayo Clinic Home Health and Hospice for all of their efforts in making Gail as comfortable as possible during her last days at home under their care. These people are the best! Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com As her children have said, "Into Paradise May The Angels Lead You."

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Sunday, September 8 2013 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Monday, September 9 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saving Grace Lutheran Church 2124 EastRidge Center Eau Claire WI 54701

Funeral Service

Monday, September 9 2013 11:00 AM

Saving Grace Lutheran Church 2124 EastRidge Center Eau Claire WI 54701