Eugene Arthur Larson 1933-1994

PEARSON, LARSON, QUICK, BUTTS, WHITE

Posted By: M. Durr - IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 3/28/2010 at 13:49:51

Eugene Arthur Larson, son of Sidney and Frances (Pearson) Larson, was born June 4, 1933 in Elkader, Iowa. He died Sunday, September 4, 1994 at the V. A. Medical Center in Knoxville. He was 61 years old.

Gene was of the Methodist faith. He had lived in Postville the first 16 years of his life.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict. He worked as a correctional officer at the State Penitentiary for ten years, was owner of E. L. Ponderosa Restaurant and Bar, worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and for the State Democratic Party. He was very active in the Des Moines County Democratic Party, one of the first inductees of the Democratic Hall of Fame in 1988. He was particularly known for his energetic fundraising for the party. In the 1970's, he worked for the state party as a financial director of the 1st Congressional District. In 1986, he was elected second vice chair of the county central committee and was active in that position until 1987. He was elected a delegate to county, district and state conventions for 22 years. He was also a member of the Eagles Club, the V. F. W., the American Legion, and was president of Machinist Union 1010 in the early 1960's. Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman. In 1987 Gene was paralyzed from the neck down as a result of an auto accident. His death followed a seven year infirmity.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include three sons: Stephen Larson and Jeffery Larson, both of Des Moines, and Gregory Larson of Minot, N. D., nine grandchildren, his mother, Frances Larson of Burlington, two sisters, Francine Quick of Bettendorf and Marline Butts of Burlington, one brother, Spencer Larson of Burlington, an aunt, Mary E. White of Postville, several cousins in the area and elsewhere.

Funeral services were held Thursday, September 8 in the Lunning Chapel, with the Rev. Bob Dodds officiating. Burial was in the Aspen Grove Cemetery. Military rites were conducted at graveside by the V.F.W. Post 10102.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping.