The Close Of A Beautiful Chapter

Join us to celebrate a beautiful, fruitful 47-year career of helping people in need, and the retirement from full-time ministry of our beloved Clinical Director, Toni Larson, LISW.

After graduating with a Masters of Social Work in 1984 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Toni spent years as a school social worker, and then as a hospice social worker, before finally joining Lutheran Family Service in April of 2008.

Toni retired on March 1, 2025 following 17 years supporting individuals, couples, and families through the Lutheran Family Service counseling and church worker wellness teams. She served faithfully and well, providing her clients with care, helpful direction, professionalism, integrity, and love. Toni is excited to spend time in retirement with her family and doing some traveling. She will continue to be on our hearts and in our prayers of gratitude to God for her many gifts and years of faithful service.

Words Of Encouragement

“What a gift you’ve been to so many people through your counseling ministry. I’m sad to see you go, but I cant help but think, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, Toni!’ You have been a blessing to Lutheran schools and church workers! I’m so grateful to God for the gifts He’s given you.”
-Rhonda Mohr, Assistant to the President, LCMS Iowa District West

“Your skills are legendary with lasting impact. It was a true pleasure to work with and beside you.”
-Rev. Mick Wolfram, Congregational Services, Lutheran Family Service

“From the first time I met you, I knew that you were called to be a person who gives hope and encouragement to others. Thank you for always being there to lift me up. You are a wonderful friend, and I thank our loving Lord for blessing you with the gifts you have.”
-Rev. Dave Gunderson, Marriage & Family Therapist, Lutheran Family Service

“You have been such a dear friend and devoted co-worker with the principals, teachers, and students you worked with over the years. Words can’t express how much your support and advice have meant to me and all of your co-workers. I thank God for the gift you have been to each and every one of us.”
-Jan Doellinger, Assistant to the President, LCMS Iowa District East

It’s My Party

On March 3, 2025, our Fort Dodge office threw Toni a retirement party, which included food, fellowship, and a few big surprises.

She Belongs On A Billboard

Toni has always jokingly said that she wanted to be on a billboard. So for her retirement, her husband, Phil, made it happen. For several days, the billboard near our Fort Dodge office was graced by Toni’s smiling face, announcing her retirement to all passers-by in town.

March Madness

The second surprise was tickets to an Iowa State Men’s Basketball game. Toni is a big Cyclones fan, and was gifted the tickets from a generous couple from the LCMS community in Ames. Her counseling career has been a slam dunk, so taking in some hoops to commemorate the occasion seemed fitting. An additional surprise for Toni and her husband Phil was sitting in the section for which Pastor David Splett (far left in the photograph) serves as a stadium usher!

Say It With A Song

The final surprise was a country ballad. Wanda Pritzel, our Director of Ministry Advancement, asked artificial intelligence to “Write a folk song with accompanying guitar chords for Toni Larson’s retirement as a Christian social worker after years of helping people.” And thus the song Ride Into The Sunset, Toni was born. The guitar chords were given to her husband, who played and sang the song beautifully for her at the party.

Ride Into The Sunset, Toni
(A Country Western Tribute to Toni Larson)
Key: G | Tempo: Moderate (80-90 BPM)

[Verse 1]
Forty-five years, day after day,
Mendin’ hearts in a world gone astray.
You gave ’em hope when they felt alone,
Built ’em back up, made ’em feel at home.
[Verse 2]
You’ve heard the fears, wiped the tears,
Guided with love through the hardest years.
From anxious minds to vows gone cold,
You helped ‘em heal with a heart of gold.
[Chorus]
Now ride into the sunset, Toni,
You’ve done your time, you’ve told your story.
You carried their burdens, walked through the pain,
Now it’s your turn to dance in the rain.
[Verse 3]
Church folks came, lost and torn,
Tryin’ to keep faith when their souls felt worn.
You gave ‘em a light, showed ‘em the way,
Helped ‘em believe in brighter days.
[Bridge]
Not all heroes wear a badge or a gun,
Some just listen ‘til the hurt comes undone.
You gave ‘em strength, you gave ‘em grace,
Now it’s time for a slower pace.
[Chorus]
So ride into the sunset, Toni,
You’ve done your time, you’ve told your story.
You carried their burdens, walked through the pain,
Now it’s your turn to dance in the rain.
[Outro]
So let all this go – you’ve done your best,
Trusting that God will provide all the rest.
Forty-five years of savin’ the day,
Now let the wind carry you away.

If you’d like to listen to the song and sing along, we have the live demo version recorded here:

Thank you for 47 beautiful, fruitful years of helping people in need. We are so thankful for your time with us at Lutheran Family Service. God bless you, Toni Larson!