Martha Petronella van der Wal Larsen Martha Petronella van der Wal Larsen was born May 8, 1933, in Hilversum, the Netherlands, and passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2022, in Joseph City. Martha was interred in the family burial plot in Joseph City Cemetery on May 18. Martha had a full and interesting life, living through the World War II occupation of the Netherlands as a young girl and later in life using those experiences to write three books sharing stories of her early life. Martha met the love of her life, Niels Brannick Larsen, as he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. Niels reconnected with Martha, and they became the love of each other’s lives. Martha completed her Education at NAU with a teaching degree and a Master’s later on in special education. She taught for over 30 years teaching numerous different age groups and subjects, including kindergarten, band, and special education. Martha retired from teaching in 1996. Martha served four missions for the LDS church including the Washington DC temple with Niels, and three family history missions. She also served over 20 years as a temple worker in the Mesa and Snowflake temples. Martha was a renowned pianist and accompanist, a great storyteller and lived a life of service. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Niels, and oldest son Brannick. Martha is survived by five children, Margaret Larsen Turley, Jan Urban (Kathy) Larsen, Martha Petro “Nella” Larsen Carlisle, Eldon Lindsey (Carol) Larsen, and Susanna Sophia “Maria” Larsen. Martha also has 22 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. Martha was loved by many and will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 8181 N. Westover in Joseph City.
