Carolyn Marie Larsen, age 74, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, November 8, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 9, 1951 to Walter and Lorraine Wait.

She was raised in Southern Wisconsin until sixth grade when she moved to Rice Lake and attended school until she moved to Waterloo, Iowa and graduated high school there in 1969. She continued her love of caring for others by obtaining her CNA license and working at Heritage Manor. She married Barry Larsen on February 12, 1972 in Waterloo, Iowa.

Carolyn also continued her love of woodworking which she shared with her husband, Barry, while working at Mastercraft Industries. Carolyn was very thoughtful, caring and had a big heart for others.

Carolyn never turned down an opportunity to take care of any family member that needed help and cared for many family members while they were in need of palliative or hospice care. Carolyn loved sewing, woodworking, crocheting, bird watching, and helping her children and grandchildren in any way she could. Carolyn and Barry silently donated to various non-profit organizations and causes.

She is survived by her son, Garrett Larsen; a daughter, Dessi Larsen; daughter-in-law, Neda Larsen; son-in-law, Dick Phillipsen; 5 granddaughters, Kaylee and Brynn Hayes; Rayna, Lila and Ella Larsen; 3 grandsons, Thomas and Ryan Phillipsen; and Brennan Larsen; a great granddaughter, Ellie Rae Phillipsen; 3 brothers, Lance (Heather) Manecke, Donald Manecke and Darwin (Lynn) Manecke; a sister, Pat (Dale) Millermon; 2 sisters-in-law, Connie Wait and Mary Wait; many nieces and nephews; as well as her best friend since 6th grade, Mary Emerson; and her best 4-legged friend, Sheera who laid at her feet and was by her side until her last breath.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Larsen; a son, Bryant Larsen; 2 daughters, Alyce Larsen and Dawn Phillipsen; a granddaughter, Isabelle Larsen; her parents, Walter Wait and Lorraine Manecke; 3 brothers, Eugene, Jerald and Larry Wait.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Stanfold Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. John Bergson officiating, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake.

Visitation will be held from 4-6PM Friday at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI and for one hour prior to the Funeral Service on Saturday at the church. Carolyn wanted to give a special thank you to all of her family and friends, Mayo Clinic, Marshfield Clinic Hospice Team, Cornerstone Caregiving, Meals on Wheels, and everyone who has supported her and her family throughout her journey.

Last Update: Nov 11, 2025 9:26 am CST