"My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rick Larson. As shocking and painful as this loss is our Heavenly Father is also deeply saddened that death plagues mankind. He tells us through His Word the Bible that He is near to the brokenhearted ones. The Bible also assures us that death will soon be no more. Please find comfort in reading His wonderful promises. (Psalm chapter 34 verse 18 and John chapter 11 verses 25 and 26)"
In loving memory of
Rick E. Larson
December 2, 1967 - January 17, 2014
Rick E. Larson, 46, of Sheffield, Iowa, passed away Friday, January 17, 2014, at the Saint Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born December 2, 1967, in Mason City, the son of Wayne and Elizabeth "Betty" (Esser) Larson. Rick graduated in 1986 from Sheffield Chapin High School and then earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Smit on October 1, 1994, in Dougherty, Iowa. To this marriage a son, Austin Matthew, was born on October 30, 1999. Rick was employed for years by Seabee Manufacturing, Kaydon, and was presently working at Hall Industries in Sheffield, Iowa. Rick believed in a strong work ethic. He attempted to bestow this virtue to his nieces and nephews by saying goodbye with his catch phrase, "write if you get work." He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockwell, Iowa. Rick was very active in the community serving on the Sheffield City Council, spearheading the merger of the local little league programs into the West Fork Little League Baseball program, and organizing the development of the Edgington baseball/softball Complex in Sheffield. Recently, he earned recognition being named Sheffield's Outstanding Citizen in 2013 for the People in the Park festivities. Rick considered himself an old soul, born in the wrong era. He enjoyed watching his Dean Martin Celebrity Roast CD sets during his free time on the weekends. He was an avid fisherman, always looking forward to and enjoying his annual fishing trips to Canada. Additionally he liked hunting, coaching his son's sports teams, and spending time with his family. Rick is survived by his wife, Cheryl Larson, and son Austin Larson of Sheffield, parents Wayne and Betty Larson of Sheffield, brother Bob (Marcia) Larson of Dougherty, sister Karen (Ray) Clark of Sheffield, sister Karla (Bob) Bradley of Marion, twin-brother Randy (Kacy) Larson of Sheffield, mother-in-law Georgia Smit of Sheffield, sister-in-law Lorri (Todd) Hall of Sheffield, sister-in-law Kathy (Terry) Nierengarten of Sheffield, sister-in-law Janet (Lance) Larson of Sheffield, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents William and Lena Esser and paternal grandparents Antone and Grace Larson and father-in-law Edward Smit.
In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to the family for future disbursement.
Burial will take place at the Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield, Iowa
Tributes
"So terribly sorry for this shocking loss. It's been decades since I knew Rick as a HS classmate, but life and a small-town upbringing make it seem like just the other day. I add my heavy heart to so many others missing the man he became."
"RIP Rick,gonna miss ya buddy.Thoughts and prayers to the Larson family."
"My deepest condolences for your loss. I knew Rick for the past several years while he was at SeaBee and then at Hall. I loved his work ethic and his ability to fix about anything, he definately had passion. His memory will be one I will keep for a long long time, may he rest in peace."
"To Betty and Wayne and the entire Larson families, I'm so sorry about your loss. My prayers are with your families as I know the sadness you are all feeling right now. Love and hold each other and you will get through.
Love you all!!"
"Randy, Kacy, Ahna, Preston...and the entire Larson family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Much love is being sent your way. Our deepest sympathies,"
"My deepest sympathy to the family of Rick. We worked together for years. And Rick was a true friend of the family! The conversations and memories of you riding on your cart will always be in my heart! Peace is with you now and you are with the best of ones that I miss, Paul Hovenga Jr and Russell Hovenga. RIP Rick "
"Deepest sympathies to you and your family. The disbelief that he is gone is staggering but he will live on in the hearts of friends and loved ones."
"Cheryl, Austin, Larson and Smit families, words cannot express the sadness I feel for your loss. I know the communities of Sheffield and Dougherty and family and friends will help you through this very difficult time."
"Cheryl and Austin, words cannot express the heavy heart that I feel for your family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have a lot of friends and family that will help you through. My sympathy to you all. "
"Cheryl and Austin, words cannot express the sadness everyone is feeling. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless your friends, they will get you through this."
"Cheryl and Austin, our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So very sorry for your loss. Even though he is not here on earth, he will always be with you in your hearts and all that you do, like a continuous hug wrapped around you. "
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of you at this time of grief. We both have special memories of Rick."
"Our deepest sympathy, to the families of Rick, so sorry for your loss. God grant you the strength to deal with this loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.. "