Ilona Jean Larson

Ilona Jean Larson, age 85, of Benson, Minnesota, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, at CentraCare – Benson Hospital. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska, at a later date. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements. zniewskifuneralhome.com

Ilona Jean Larson was born on September 23, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Richard and Lois (Rogers) Robbinson. Lonnie grew up and attended school in Chicago, graduated from high school, and continued on to Omaha, Nebraska, to pursue a college education.

In the fall of 1960, Lonnie met Bill Larson, at a Friday night party in Omaha, Nebraska, while attending college. Bill was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha and was talked into going to the party. Lonnie thought he was a quiet guy. She approached Bill, offered him a drink, and latched on to him. Bill acquired his pilot’s license and would take Lonnie flying. She loved flying at night, seeing all the city lights. They would often fly to Minnesota to visit family.

Lonnie married Bill on February 3, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska. They lived off base in an apartment. Lonnie worked in a camera store in downtown Omaha. Bill’s squadron was being split up, so they decided to try civilian life in Minnesota. Lonnie worked at the phone company during the 1960s. Their son Greg was born in August of 1967. From the 1970s to 1990s, Lonnie had several good accounting jobs. She and Bill did some traveling during these years. They retired while in their late 60s and moved to Benson, Minnesota, where Bill had grown up. Together Lonnie and Bill shared 63 years and two months of married life.

Lonnie was a kind person, a little stubborn, and not fussy. She always remembered her family with Christmas and birthday cards.

Lonnie’s health started to decline in 2024. She died peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at CentraCare Hospital in Benson, Minnesota. She was 85 years old. Lonnie is survived by her husband Bill Larson of Benson, MN; son Greg Larson; grandsons Evan Larson and Gavin Larson; and brother Mike Robbinson. She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Lois Robbinson, and her brother David Robbinson.

Blessed be her memory.