"Our deepest sympathies go out to Jackie, and families of Teresa, Joe, and Jody. John's wonderfull memories will be with you forever. We'll continue to keep your families in our prayers. Our condolences during this very difficult time. Don and Joanna Larson"
In loving memory of
John Allen Larson
May 11, 1974 - July 18, 2012
John Larson, age 38, of Buffalo Center, IA passed away as a result of doing what he loved most, flying airplanes, on July 18th, 2012 in Iowa City, IA.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 21 at 1:30 PM in the North Iowa School Gymnasium in Buffalo Center with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, July 20 from 5-8 PM at the schools commons area. Burial will be at Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center.
John was born on May 11, 1974 to Ron and Jackie (Friesenborg) Larson in Buffalo Center, IA. He was raised on a farm outside of Buffalo Center and developed a deep passion for farming and flying at an early age. John graduated from North Iowa High School in 1992 and went on to study Aviation at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA. After receiving his degree, he returned home to farm with his uncle Gary, and brother Joe, better known as Friesenborg & Larson, Inc. In 2004, John’s passion for flying was incorporated into the farm when he bought his father’s original Cessna spray plane and restored it to immaculate working condition and began aerially applying pesticides and fertilizers for farmers across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Under John’s direction, Friesenborg & Larson Custom Spraying quickly became a successful and reputable service that many farmers depended on in the area and was respected by his peers in the aerial application business across the Midwest.
In 2005, he met his wife Tressa, to whom he wed in September of 2007. John loved Tressa’s daughter Olivia as his own, and also was blessed in their marriage with children, Hayden and Mila. He worked hard to balance his demanding farming and spray businesses with being a devoted father and loving husband.
John pursued perfection in every aspect of his life. He was a great father, husband, friend, farmer and a fantastic aviator. He was masterful at achieving perfection with his businesses and personal pursuits all the while being humble enough to foster countless friendships with all those he came across. He was a respected employer, generous member of the community, and was always there for his friends when they needed help. John also had a witty sense of humor and knew how to have a good time with his many friends on snowmobile trips, vacations or over drinks at the local establishment. He will be missed deeply by a large community of people who loved and cared for him.
John is survived by his wife Tressa of Buffalo Center along with their children Olivia(10), Hayden (3) and Mila (8 months). His mother, Jackie Larson of Buffalo Center, IA. His brother Joe and wife Shelia of Thompson and their children Alysha, Caleb and Abi , his sister Jodi and her husband Tracy of Buffalo Center and their children Cody and Jessica. Parents in law, Dan and Becky Martinson of Joice, Ia, Brother in law Chris Martinson of Thompson, IA, brother and sister in law, Ryan and Michelle Martinson of Pleasant Hill, IA and their child, Avery. Along with many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ron Larson, and grandmothers, Opal Friesenborg and Swea Larson.
Tributes
"Jackie, Joe and Jody, Our most heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and John's wife and children too. John's death has just brought back memories of Ron's sudden death at such a young age too,it's very hard to grasp and understand,why? May our thoughts and prayers be with you all during this most difficult time. donna and arnie carlson"
"Tressa - I was so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your husband. I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. Lean on the strength of your family! Beth"
"To all family members of John, Our hearts were saddened to hear of the accident and then passing of John; a man much too young to leave us! He touched many lives in one way or another and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a friendly and good guy! May God's love and peace surround each one of you and may you feel the presence of God and those in the community holding each one of you up in prayer. Tressa - we don't know you well, but will continue to uphold you and the kids in our prayers. Jackie, Jody and Joe - our love, thoughts and prayers are with you. In Christian sympathy, Paul and Cheryl"
"My deepest sympathy, and prayers. It is so hard to understand why...there is peace knowing his dad was there to greet him and the 2 will always watch over you. When you see a butterfly flying around you, think of John."
"You all have our deepest sympathy. We did not know John. But have heard many many great things about him. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Rest in peace, John."
"Jackie, My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. I am deeply sorry for your loss."
"We will truly miss seeing John at the conventions. He had such a great personality & we will miss his smile! Our hearts & prayers go out to his wife & family."
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be near your family during this difficult time in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family."
"We are very sorry for your loss. We are keeping your family in our prayers."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to all of John's family and friends. John touched so many people and was a role model of how we should treat other people.It truly is amazing to see how many people's lives he touched."
"When I heard the news it brought me back twenty-some years ago when Gary called to tell me John's dad, Ron, had suddenly died. John's death is so heart-breaking, and my sympathies and prayers are with your family. On Wednesday we remembered John and the family at a Mass here at the Cathedral. God's mercy is so great, and his love for John and the family is unbounded. Let that be your source of peace through your grief."
"Our deepest sympathies go out to all of John's family. Sadly,we only knew of John, he sounds like he was a great all around kind of guy. My heart is heavy & goes out to his 3 kids. From my experience of losing my dad at very young age,I have found talking about him helps ease the pain,the more I talked about him, I felt more at peace.You have your own personal guardian angel now to watch over you, he is with you wherever your journey in life takes you. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers that someday you will all find peace & laughter again. Our condolences. The Baumann's"
"Dear Jackie, and families of Teresa, Joe, and Jody, We join with others in our community and beyond to express our prayers and caring thoughts at this time of extreme loss. With Sincerest Sympathy, Royce and Dawn Janssen"
"So saddened when I heard the passing of John. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. In sorrow, we mourn those lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve."
"We are praying for peace, comfort, and strength in this difficult time for you and your family."
"Our Thoughts and Prayers are sent to your family at this time."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with his young family."
"I first met John in August of 1983, when John was barely nine years old. He and his brother, Joe, were in charge of washing windshields for Don Fischer and me while we were spraying spider mites in Oskaloosa, IA. Ron was there doing a wonderful job of managing and keeping everything running smoothly. John and Joe were working like young men and were doing a very good job for their father, and I was very impressed by this. In the most recent years, I have had enjoyable conversations with John at flight instructor renewal clinics and at the aviation association meetings that many of us ag pilots attend. John always conducted himself in a professional manner and was a valuable asset to the aviation community. I was deeply saddened to learn of John's death. I was even more saddened to know that his wife, children, and other family and friends will not have him physically present in their lives any longer. I pray that God will give them the faith, courage, and strength to get through this most trying time and that all of us will keep them in our prayers."
"I got to know John quite well on snowmobile trip and conventions... My condolences go out to all his family and friends.... He will be greatly missed..."
"Jodi, Joe, and Butch, So heartbreaking to lose a brother. Cherish each other and hold on to the memories!! John always had a smile and a story to go with it. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. J-Rob"
"Our deepest sympathies to the entire Larson family. Johns presence will be missed on Earth as well as in the skies!"
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the days ahead and trust in God's wisdom. Our sincere sympathy, Den & Laurie"
"My sympathy to the Larson family. I didn't know John as an adult but from what I have read he was very well thought of by those who knew him. I was his 4th grade teacher and my heart breaks to see such a young man leave behind so many loved ones. Praying for you all."
"May God be with you during this challenge. Our prayers support you and your wonderful family."
"We'll miss you, RIP John"
"Joe and family - I was so saddened when I heard about John. I know how much your brother meant to you, Joe! Please know that I am thinking and praying for all of you during this difficult time."
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for the whole family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Kerrie Kollasch"
"May you find peace in God's love during this difficult time. Our condolences to your family!"
"We met John thru Derbies. He has known Tanner since he was knee high. Tan Man looked up to him, considered him a great friend and a WONDERFUL BOSS! Thank you for bringing him on the F&L crew. You will be missed greatly."
"Tressa and family, I can't begin to find the words to tell you how very sorry we are for your loss. You and your family have been front and center in our thoughts and prayers. Know that our love and support are with you. We pray that God will carry you through and with time help you find peace in your hearts. Love, Paul and Vicki"
"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to John's family. He was an outstanding young man and he will be missed by many!"
"I just heard of John' accident and was so sadden to hear of his passing. He was one of my most delightful patients, and I always looked forward to seeing him each year. He loved to talk about his snowmobiling, vacations, and his love of flying. He will be truly missed and my condolences goes out to his family, especially his Mother Jackie."
"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. -Author Unknown I will always remember John's mishievious smile and him giving me a ride on his 50 Suzuki when we were about 5 or 6-I begged my parents FOREVER to get me a dirtbike, too! Sending thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Amber Kiewiet Evans"
"Dear family of John, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear of Johns accident. Hold onto your memories of him to help you thru this time of loss. God be with you."
"Our deepest sympathy to all of John's family and friends. This is still such a shock to all of us. There are just no words...my heart is so sad. Love, Todd, Gina, Kyle and Madison Williams"
"My heartfelt condolences to your family. John was a classmate of mine and always could make me smile and laugh."
"Sending my thoughts, prayers and lots of love to you, Tressa, kiddos, Larson and Martinson families! Praying for strength and comfort for you all as you continue to face each hour of each day. Cherish the memories. May God bless you and your new guardian angel flying in heaven."
"So sorry for your loss. May you and your family find peace in the days to come."
"John will be missed by so many people. I remember when he use to come over to the house to hang out with my brothers. Very nice guy. He passed away what he loved best. To his wife and kids-your husband and daddy is looking down on you all and will be your angel forever. Remember the good times you all had with him. We will miss John very much but will never be forgotten."
"Jackie and family, so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. May your memories of John continue to be a bright spot in the difficult days ahead. May God be with you, and bring peace to your broken hearts."
"Tressa and family, The moment time stood still has taken your breath away. I don't know how you feel, but I do know the road you are traveling. Find strength in those who love you, find peace in the God who cradles your dear John, and find comfort in the power of prayer that comes your way. My heart aches for you as you search for answers, guidance and understanding. Take each moment as it comes, find a way through it and celebrate the life of your amazing husband, father, son, brother, friend. God is carrying you through, lean on him. Love, Vickie Zobel"
"I am sorry to hear about what happened to John. I have been thinking about you and praying for your family. Love, Molli"
"Tressa & children ~ words cannot express how very sorry I am for your loss. Your husband and father were taken from you way too early. Joe ~ So sorry for the loss of your brother. Everyone is in my thoughts & prayers."
"Tressa and family, Thinking of you at this time and keeping you in my prayers."
"I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. He was a very good friend of my son JRob and I met John only briefly through my son, and since I am also a pilot loved to visit with him and his love of flying. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Jim Roberts"
"Our hearts go out to the family as we keep you all in our prayers."
"There are no words we can say to express how sorry we are for your loss. The only thing we can offer right now is a shoulder to cry on and prayers for you and your little ones. Please lean on friends and family to help you through the days when it all seems like too much. We love you!"
"Tressa and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. It makes me sick to even think what you are going through! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family!"