Nancy H. Larsen

Nancy Hughes Larsen (Reinertsen), a longtime resident of the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and Key West Florida, died Friday August 9th, 2019 at age 86 at her retirement home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Born in 1933, Nancy grew up in southwest Minneapolis and was known as an excellent student and musician, proficient in piano and organ. Nancy served for many years as organist at Lake Harriet Christian Church.
Nancy is the daughter of Ralph Wycoff Hughes originally of Marshalltown, IA, and Cora Hill Hughes originally of Warren, MN. Ralph and Cora owned a watch repair firm on Nicolet Avenue in Minneapolis.

Nancy graduated from Southwest High School in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis in 1951. In following years Nancy attended class reunions and maintained contact with her many high school friends over her lifetime. After high school Nancy attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and received Dean's List recognition.

In 1955 Nancy and Robert Ellis Reinertsen of Edina, MN were married and had five children, Robert E. (currently of Spring, TX), Jenny L. (currently of Two Harbors, MN), Eric H. (currently of Lancaster, CA), Amy B. (deceased, longtime resident of Key West, FL), and Carrie A. (currently of Littleton, CO). The family's Minnesota residences included Drew Avenue South in Bloomington, MN, Rainbow Drive in Eden Prairie, MN, and Tonkawa Road on Lake Minnetonka in Orono, MN.

Nancy and Robert loved the Minnesota North Woods and spent time each year in the Boundary Waters area for boating, fishing, and camping. The favorite catch was walleye and they especially enjoyed shore lunches. They were often seen at Nelson's Resort on Crane Lake with friends and family.

For over 20 years Nancy along with her second husband Ronald H. Larsen, also a Southwest High School alumnus, were owners of Flora and Flipp on Fleming, a Key West eatery known for good food and sandwiches. During their time in Key West they achieved the coveted status of "Freshwater Conch" due to their long-time residence. Nancy's sandwiches were famous with many repeat customers locally and with visitors from around the world.

In 2013 Nancy retired in Highlands Ranch, CO to be close to her daughter Carrie Hanson and family. After spending a year at Carrie's home, she moved to Wind Crest Retirement Community. Pastimes included socializing with her friends at the Fireside Grill, playing bridge, and telling stories of her years in Key West. Nancy was known as a "bridge shark," feared by her fellow players.

Nancy's funeral will be held at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home in Edina, MN in early October. The date and time will be provided in a subsequent announcement.