Kerry Jo Larson

Kerry Jo (Klabo) Larson, 48, passed away peacefully in Fargo, North Dakota, at Sanford Medical Center on Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Kerry was born in 1976 at Union Hospital in Mayville, North Dakota, to Susan Stende (Klabo) Klassen of Mentor, MN, and Dale Klabo of Winona, MN. She spent her early years attending grade school in Sacred Heart, MN; Manawa, WI; and Red Oak, IA. She later attended Oak Grove High School in Fargo, ND, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Mayville State University in 1999. 

During her time at Oak Grove Lutheran High School, Kerry welcomed foreign students from the dorm into her home for holidays and school breaks. She introduced them to board games, snowmobiling, sledding, and other activities that reflected her warmth and generosity. 

As a senior in college, Kerry became the proud mother of Elizabeth Kay Klabo. Born just one day before Kerry’s birthday and weighing only 1 pound, 2 ounces at birth. Elizabeth spent three and a half months in the NICU at MeritCare. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with her studies, Kerry completed her senior year while caring for her daughter. Her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising Elizabeth into a bright and strong young woman with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. 

In 2003, Kerry began working for Heartland Industries, where she directed care for individuals with disabilities. She started the Adult Life Program, which was the first of its kind in the state. She later supervised local group homes before stepping away to focus on her health and care for Elizabeth. 

Kerry found happiness with her partner Russ Wang of Hawley, MN. He introduced her to hunting and fishing—activities that took her out of her comfort zone but brought them closer together. They cherished their weekends at the lake and the time they spent making memories. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Troy and Eunice Klabo of Portland, ND; Sylve (Sy) and Charlotte (Shotty) Stende of Mayville, ND; and aunt Peggy Jo Fugleberg of St. Paul, MN.

Kerry is lovingly remembered by her daughter Elizabeth Kay Klabo of Hawley, Minnesota; partner Russ Wang; brother Michael Klabo (Sara) and their children Chloe and Shelby of Tipton, IA; sister Jill Klabo of Moorhead, MN; parents Susan and Gordon Klassen of Mentor, MN; parents Dale and Linda Klabo of Winona, MN; as well as several uncles and aunts, cousins, the Wang family, and her beloved dog Vera Wang. 

Her legacy will be one of unwavering love and devotion to Elizabeth and those closest to her. 

A service will be held at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN. Visitation will take place at 10:00 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 28, 2025