Richard E. Larson (1930-2022)

LARSON, CLARK, ZEMAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/14/2022 at 10:10:01

Richard “Dick” E. Larson, 92, of Hiawatha, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2022 at The Keystone Cedars after a long battle with prostate cancer and progressing Alzheimer’s disease. He was in the loving care of the teams from The Keystones and Hospice of Mercy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2nd Street S.E., with Pastor Sheri Andersen officiating. Private Burial will take place in Shiloh Cemetery, Hiawatha. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Richard was born February 27, 1930 in Louisa, Linn County, Iowa to parents Orpha and Christian Larson at their family home with his Grandmother Larson in attendance.

Dick was introduced to country music at an early age. His sister and brother-in-law played in a country band. Dick was on stage singing with the band at age 3. Throughout his life there was always a whistle or a yodel to share. He was raised with strong work ethics. At the young age of 12 he delivered the Cedar Rapids Gazette on his Dad’s Harley Davidson. Founders of Hiawatha, Fay and Adeline Clark were mentors to Dick and at 14 he was hired to work in their welding shop. He also had fond memories of working along side his Uncle Bill to learn the craft of carpentry. Dick and his wife Terry built several homes in Hiawatha and Robins, living in one house while building the next.

On August 12, 1950, Dick married his childhood sweetheart, Theresa Zeman. He served in the United States Army as a tank commander from 1951 to 1953 at Fort Hood, Texas. After military service, Dick returned to his employer Fruehauf Trailer. Dick and Terry purchased Fay and Adeline’s stone house on Clark Street (now beside the Hiawatha City Hall) enjoying their three little ones: Rick, Cindy and Chris. In 1963, they moved the family out west to Apple Valley, California. While living there Dick was involved in trap shooting, Civil Defense and Explorer Scouts. In 1969, they returned to Iowa to be close to family. They moved to Hiawatha, where they remained until his passing.

Dick worked for Hart Mobile Homes as a service tech. He then took a maintenance position with the City of Hiawatha in 1971. He was instrumental in removing snow from the Hiawatha streets during the snow storm of 1973, spending three days away from home. Dick worked for Brown & Dyer in construction and was approached by Jim Dyer to manage Bali Hi Mobile Home Community. Leaving Bali Hi was a difficult decision for Dick and Terry when they were given the opportunity to manage Tower Terrace Mobile Home Park. They retired in 1993.

Dick and Terry were able to spend time at their cabin in Harpers Ferry along the Mississippi River. They loved watching the eagles soaring above and perching in the trees. Their travels included celebrating their 50th Anniversary on an Alaskan cruise with family and friends. In October, 2013, Dick was able to visit Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight accompanied by his son.

Dick was proud of his involvement with the City of Hiawatha through 16 years as a volunteer firefighter. He was also a member of the Water Department and Board for 19 years as well as an active member of the History Commission. He was a dedicated and proud member of the American Legion Post 735.

Dick loved his family and was very proud of their accomplishments. His eyes would light up whenever family or friends would visit, even in his final days. Those who knew Dick described him as a kind hearted gentleman and often times a jokester. He will be missed by all, but greeted by many who have passed before him.

Dick is survived by his children, Rick Larson (Deb) of Brandon and Chris Ask (Mike Robinson) of Marion; son-in-law, Doug Louvar of Toddville; grandchildren, Brian Larson (Sarah) of Jesup, Tony Louvar of Palo, Tim Louvar (Abbie) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Joe Larson (Cara) of Madrid, Jennifer Kjormoe (Seth) of Cedar Rapids and Ryan Ask of Cedar Rapids; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Theresa; his daughter, Cynthia Louvar; his parents and parents-in-law, Christian and Orpha Larson and Joseph and Elizabeth Zeman; sister, Leone Richardson and brother, Donald Larson.