Harold W. Larson 1925-2012

LARSON MATHERS MADSEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/23/2012 at 17:54:51

Sioux City Journal
November 11, 2012

SALIX, Iowa | Harold W. Larson, 87, of Salix died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at United Methodist Church in Salix, with the Rev. Richard Moore officiating. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday in Sloan Cemetery, with honors provided by the 185th Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services Monday at the church. Waterbury Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com.

Harold was born in Kingsley, Iowa, on Sept. 28, 1925, the son of Victor Harold and Agnes (Mathers) Larson. The family moved to Hornick, Iowa, when Harold was 9 years old. Following a house fire which claimed the life of his mother and infant brother, Harold moved to Salix, and lived with his grandmother. He honorably served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army. Harold served in the Philippine Islands with General Douglas MacArthur, and received the Bronze Star for his service to his country.

Harold was united in marriage with L. Darlene Madsen on June 18, 1947, in Salix. The couple and their family lived in Sioux City for 20 years before returning to Salix, where they made their home until his death. He was employed for many years as a delivery and yard person at a Sioux City lumber yard.

He was a member of the Salix United Methodist Church. Harold was a man with a wonderful sense of humor, he was the life of the party. He never complained about himself as he was always more concerned regarding others' well being. He enjoyed wood crafting, being with family and friends, and always looking forward to his next meal. He loved to rock his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to sleep.

He will be missed by his family which includes his loving wife of 65 years, Darlene of Salix; his sons, Randy and his wife, Jeanie and Rick and his wife, Shirley, all of Sergeant Bluff; and his daughter, Kristi Willis and husband, Alan of Ankeny, Iowa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lance, Shannon, Lisa, Dani, Ryan and Melonie; and his great-grandchildren, Jakeb, Carter, Braxten, Breven, Kaleb, Kenadi, Luke and Levi.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and John; and sisters, Gladys, Eillene and Doris.