LeRoy Eugene Larson

LeRoy Eugene Larson, the son of Anton and Florence (Magnuson) Larson was born January 3, 1933, in Alta, Iowa. He was baptized and Confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. He attended Alta School and graduated in 1951.

He worked for area farmers hauling livestock and grain, and also assisted his father farming, part time. LeRoy also worked at the Standard Station until he was drafted in 1953, serving in the Army stationed on the 38^th parallel in Korea, for 18 months. After his honorable discharge, he married the love of his life, Shirley Grauer, on Jan 29, 1955.

They made their home in Cherokee where he worked at the IDOT maintenance department for over 30 years, with the last 15 years as the supervisor before having to retire due to his failing eyesight. Although LeRoy couldn’t drive for close to 30 years, he had many close friends that would assist him with driving, allowing him to enjoy various activities.

LeRoy loved to hunt, golf, fish, bowl, and trap shoot, where he won many awards. He was a 60 plus year member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee, where he was on the dart team. He also loved taking care of his vehicles, keeping them clean, shiny, and spotless. He was the envy of the neighborhood. LeRoy was a loving husband and father. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both in-laws, Fred and Cecelia Grauer; infant sister, Marlene at birth; brother, Norman and his wife, Jean; sister-in-law, Katherine Larson, brother-in-law, Dale Anderson; step-grandson, Jason Franklin; and several relatives.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley Larson of Cherokee, IA; three daughters, Pamela (Mark) Schnoes of Paullina, IA, Christie (Ed) Franklin of Johnston, CO, and Paula (Kevin) Rueter of Orange City, IA; grandchildren, Michael, Amy, Sara (Travis), Matthew (Ashlee) Nathan and friend Amanda, and Dylan and  friend Megan; three step-grandsons, Jared, Justin, and Jonathen; one brother, Merle of Rockford, IL; sister, Carolyn Anderson of Spencer, IA; and several nieces, nephews, and many family members, and friends.