Theodore Alfred Larson (1891-1979)

LARSON, ERICKSON, KALSEIM, PHILLIPS, JOHNSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/23/2013 at 00:47:12

From Nevada Evening Journal July 1979

THEODORE A. LARSON

Theodore Alfred Larson was born Nov. 24, 1897 near Story City, the son of Samuel Lewis Larson ("S.L.") and Ellen Tobias Erickson. He died on July 9, 1979 at the Story City Bethany Manor. He was baptized on Christmas Day, 1891 at St. Petri Lutheran Church, Story City and was one of 24 young persons confirmed in the Christian faith in 1905 or 1906.

"Ted" attended school in Story city (through the 8th grade) and studied communications at Iowa State University in Ames. His childhood home was a farm which included much of what is now the south part of Story City; Bethany Manor was built on land given by Ted's parents. The Larson family was involved in dairying and mild was delivered "hand dipped" to customers in Story City. At age 16, Ted journeyed to Colorado to manage crop land owned by his parents and uncle Gerhard Larson.

On Dec. 10, 1919 Theodore Larson and Gertrude Kalseim were united in Holy Matrimony at the bride's family home in Story City.

Ted was employed by Collins Farm Company for a number of years, which involved moving to various farm sites. He worked for a brief time as an electrician in Reinbeck, Iowa and was employed by the Story City Municipal Electric Utility, serving as line supervisor from 1945-1956.

During World War I Ted served in the Signal Corps of the United States Army. He was charter member of the American Legion, Story City Post 59. His church responsibilities included membership on the St. Petri Board of Trustees, St. Petri Call Committee and St. Petri Delegate to the Iowa Dirstict Convention held in Texas. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Story City Municipal Electric Utility.

Ted is survived by his wife of 59 years, a daughter and son-in-law Loretha and Walter Phillips of Des Moines, a son and daughter-in-law Wayne and Betty Larson of Urbandale, three grandchildren Glenn Phillips of Cedar Rapids, Gene and Lois Philips of Des Moines, Ruth Larson of Ames and Gladys Johnson of Story City. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Sheman and Ingram; and one sister Mrs. Thomas (Anna) Johnson.

Funeral services for Ted Larson were held at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City on Thursday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m., followed by burial in the Story City Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers sere Herbert Larson, Orlin Anderson, William Kalseim, John Larson, Ernest Johnson and Harry Reames.

Organist and soloists were Eva Jacobson, Rolfe Johnstad and Clara Anderson. The service was conducted by Pastor Perry Sampson, a greeting from Bethany Manor was given by Chaplain Enoch Ball; the sermon and obituary were delivered by Pastor Rolfe Johnstad. The Leah Circle of St. Petri American Lutheran Church Women hosted a fellowship hour in the church basement following the burial.