Larry Larsen

Larry Eugene Larsen, of Hazel Dell Township near Underwood Iowa, passed away peacefully at home after having lived a full and blessed life.

Larry was born to Harold and Valborg (Jensen) Larsen and grew up with 3 sisters, Marilyn Dickey, Gloria (Rex) Burgoin and Glenda Meyer in Harrison County, IA. He attended Center Country School, Beebeetown School, and graduated from Neola Public High School in 1961. He was a member of the Neola Motor Menders Club.

Following High School, Larry worked at Swift Packing House for 2 years in South Omaha before enlisting in the US Army. Stationed in Germany (1963-1966), Larry bought a bicycle which allowed him to travel and explore during his free time.

Shortly before leaving for Germany, Larry met his future wife and love of his life Marilyn (Handlen). They corresponded via letters and reel to reel tapes during his enlistment and married soon after his return on January 28, 1967. A son, Lance, arrived on Christmas that same year. Daughter, Skyla, joined the family in 1972 and son, Luke in 1980.

In 1969, Larry started his favorite career, driving 18 wheelers. He drove 35 years for Briggs, Bruce Barnett and Pace Transportation. Based out of Omaha, Larry was twice featured as Nebraska truck driver of the month and had over 3 million accident free miles. Believing his routes were as much vacation as vocation, he loved touring the 2 lane highways throughout the Midwest, especially WI and the Upper Peninsula. Larry made many friends and enjoyed chatting with customers wherever he made deliveries.

In 2004, he exchanged trucking for the life of a gentleman farmer. Larry enjoyed working on tractors, caring for his herd of Angus cattle, and was a faithful steward of the land. He took pride in a well-groomed lawn and enjoyed gardening with Marilyn. Larry was always ready to hitch up a wagon and offer rides around the farm or drive through a parade.

The farm was his home for 54 years. He was a member of the Underwood Community of Christ church. Larry had a profound love for his family and was an enthusiastic supporter for his grandchildren and their friends.

Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Handlen); 3 children, Lance and Karla Larsen of Underwood, Skyla and Brian Mann of West Des Moines, Luke and Kristina Larsen of Harlan; 9 grandchildren, Mariah (Mann) and Tristan Hewitt, Carlyn and Reagan Mann, Owen and Anna Larsen, Lane, Leif, Logan and Linden Larsen; 2 great-grandchildren Adalee and Everett Hewitt; and 9 Allis-Chalmers tractors.

Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, May 18 from 5-7 PM at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 19 at 10:30 AM at UMBA in Underwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Underwood Dollars for Scholars (PO Box 113, Underwood, IA 51576 or via Venmo @UnderwoodDollarsForScholars).