Marlette Larsen Squier

Marlette Jeanne Larsen Squier was born May 2, 1959, in Atlantic, Iowa. She was the youngest of five children and the only daughter of Henry Larsen and Jeannette Gursky Larsen. A large part of Marlette’s childhood and growing up was the family business, Larsen’s Ben Franklin store on Main Street in Atlantic. The entire family worked at the store in capacities fitting their age and abilities: stocking shelves, moving freight, cashier, and promotional displays. The annual “Crazy Days” was a highlight that Marlette held dear: they dressed in costume, offered crazy bargains, and sold popcorn and hot nuts outside on the sidewalk. The fun times at their store were some of her most vivid memories. She would often recall those days with great admiration and pride as she spoke of her father and the merits of genuine “customer service”. It shouldn’t go without saying that everyone who knew Marlette also knew about her mom…and the many stories shared with laughter and abiding love.

Marlette graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Some of her lifelong interests were journalism, social justice and political studies.  Much of her work revolved around non-profits and social programs. Promoting safety measures for migrant farm workers was one of the programs of which she was most proud. She was also a lifelong advocate for addiction rehabilitation.

While working in Atlantic, she met and married Gregory Squier of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Their devotion to one another was evident over their years together. Their work took them from Atlantic to Winterset, Clive, and Waukee, Iowa.

Relationships with family and friends were very important to Marlette. Her grandparents emigrated from Norway and held onto their Norwegian heritage which influenced family reunions, foods, and holidays. A large and lively cluster of aunts, uncles, and cousins inspired regular family trips to Illinois; with all seven of her family crammed into the car for the seven hour drive. In 1984 Marlette and the entire Larsen family traveled to Norway for a family reunion in the area south of Stavanger.

Marlette cultivated a garden of close and dear friends. She had a strong and loving church family through Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waukee. She participated in Bible study and the book discussion group. She served as a Sunday School teacher and on the Outreach committee, welcoming new members. She also enjoyed volunteering in the community helping with the local Food Band and serving as a Girl Scout leader for several years. Marlette made many friends with co-workers at LINK and Fareway (which brought back echoes of her early work at Larsen Ben Franklin).

During the last year of her life, Marlette had a valiant struggle with cancer. She was grateful and appreciative for the unfailing support of many friends and neighbors during this time. She was thrilled that so many of her family and friends, from near and far, came to share fond memories and to make new ones. The photo you see here was taken in August with a friend as she truly enjoyed the Iowa State Fair.

Marlette will be remembered for her positive attitude and her beautiful smile. She loved to laugh, to encourage, and the chance to gather with loved ones. She was a woman of faith.

Marlette was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Jeanette Larsen, her brothers David Lars Larsen and Stanley Jay Larsen, and her husband Greg L. Squier, and also by her long-time feline companion Aunamae. She is survived by brothers James Henry Larsen (Nancy) of Anchorage, Alaska, Keith Neil Larsen (Barbara Nieveen) of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister-in-law Vicki Larsen of Watertown, Wisconsin, and brother-in-law, Dennis Hopkins of Missouri Valley, Iowa.  She also leaves behind many treasured family and friends including her 10 nieces and nephews, a lively passel of cousins, and her well-loved cat companion, Mia.

Interment will be at the Atlantic Cemetery with a brief graveside service, November 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A Church service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waukee on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Memorial gifts may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran, per Marlette’s request.

A livestream of Marlette's church service can be accessed with this link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2NKhCSUGzYrmLeKCbGE9_g/live