"Remembering You!!"
In loving memory of
Frank Raymond Larson
April 16, 1918 - April 30, 2012
Frank Raymond Larson, 94 of Nevada died on Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Bethany Life Communities in Story City. A memorial graveside service, with military rites, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 12 in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery with Pastor David R. Burling officiating.
Frank was born on April 16, 1918 in rural Ames to Lars Peter and Elizabeth (Lang) Larson. He was a Shipley High School graduate. Frank served in the Automatic Weapons Battalion APO #339 during W.W. II in the U.S. Army. In 1964, he was united in marriage to Evelyn True in the state of Nevada. After retiring at the age of 55 from PG & E Gas Company in California, Frank pursued his true love of farming, raising cattle and horses. He moved to Nevada in 1998 after residing in Oregon, Northern Missouri and Leon. As both of Frank's parents were immigrants from Denmark, he was extremely proud of his Danish heritage. He was an avid hunter - going to Idaho and other states to make sure that he always got his deer.
Frank is survived by his companion for nine years, Linda Duff of Leon; a friend/son, Jay Hovick of Nevada; four daughters, Carole Ann Clayberg and Terry Larson, both of Ames, Vicki Cordes of Roland, and Sandy Kinyon of Boone; a sister, Virginia Hash of Middleburg, FL; and two sisters-in-law Vena Mae Larson of Story City and Marilyn Larson of Ames; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn on March 31, 1998, four brothers John, Mike, Robert, and Max and two sisters Carrie and Margaret.
A memorial fund has been established in loving memory of Frank for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Frank and his family.
Tributes
"Today we had a beautiful service remembering Frank's life. Many thanks to Ryan's and David Burling for helping make the final good-bye so special. I will carry the memories I have of Frank with me for the rest of my life, I miss his presence. The memorial highlighted his service to our country that he was so so proud of. Frank, you will be and are missed, but I know we will meet again when my time comes to leave this life. Your friend, Jay. "
"Tomorrow we will have the memorial service for Frank. I look forward to honoring his life and his service to our country. Frank was so proud of his service and I am so thankful for it. The memorial will be a celebration of Frank's life. Thank you Frank for being such a good friend and mentor!! You taught me so much."
"The true measure of a man's success is not by the money he has made but by the lives he has touched. My sincere condolences to Frank's family and friends. Jay, your memories are priceless and your love uncondtional. I'm proud of you. "
"Jay, you stood by him all the way to the end and you continue to do so. The love and friendship you two shared was an absolute gift. I have no doubts that he is standing up there smiling down, bursting with pride and love. God bless you. "Say not in grief that he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was." -- Author unknown"
"Frank was always checking on us when we (Jay & me) went on our motorcycle trips. He would be there just before we left and was right there to see us when we returned. I will always miss his presence on the trips we make in the future. He always wanted to know what we saw and what we did. He was sincerely interested in our adventures and was always happy to see our safe return. God's speed Frank. I sincerely await seeing you in heaven. Jack"
"Some people in life are meant to find each other. Frank and Jay were two such people, both of their lives were better for knowing and helping each other. Frank was a great man who will be missed by so many people. "
"Frank and Linda were always intrigued by my home brewing of beer. It was fun to have them stop by... checking out the the progress during the process of the brew in the alley. They would always drive through to see what I was up to... many times I would be working on a homebrew batch. I really enjoyed the times they would come over and want to try some of a new batch. Precious memories... they would only try a few drinks but were always interested in what I was doing. I will miss that more than anything. Cherish those moments when people you care about and are interested in what you are doing! Before you know it they will not be there anymore to share your interests and joys in life. We had many GREAT times together, be it a sip (or two or three) of beer or a meal at Country House or a Pizza from Alley's pizza. Too many good memories to write about all of them. But I am happy to share a few. Frank without a doubt ended up being more than a friend he ended up being FAMILY to me."
"It was always fun to go visit Frank with Jay and Cliff whenI was back in Iowa. Cliff was so special to Frank, how he loved to have Cliff in his lap. Jay and Frank were best of friends. I feel so pleased to know the wonderful relationship they had. Thank you, Frank for being so good to Jay. You will be missed."
"How good was Frank to me? Here is a funny story for you. A few years back, 2008 to be exact. I bought a motorcycle that was pretty much a basket case. It was not running and had many mechanical issues. I tore it apart and got it running but did not realize it had a brake issue. I took it out for a ride around a few mile square from home and ended up stranded about 5 miles (or more) from home. The rear brakes were dragging and they started on fire, yes ON FIRE! The saddle bag was even starting to burn. I put the fire out with gravel and dirt from the side of the road. Frank and Linda came out and followed me all of the way into Nevada at very slow speed to make sure I was alright. Isn't it amazing how they would take care of me at this time of need, I was all of 40 years old (should be smarter than I was, dumb dumb dumb, but learning) but they were not only willing, but happy to see me through this STUPID moment. Neither of them ever gave me a hard time or even ever brought the incident up. They just helped me out when I needed a hand. I do not think I have ever told this story to anyone, I was so embarrassed about it. I almost watched a bike burn right in front of me (out of stupidity). It was a scary situation. Frank and Linda came to the rescue, no judgement at all. Note... Frank was 90 at the time!!"
"Frank was not only a GREAT friend but a mentor. I already miss him terribly. Frank, I know you are at peace now and my thoughts will be with you for the rest of my living days!!"