"Diana, Girls, and Families,
We are very saddened to hear of Doug's passing. May the God of all comfort wrap His loving arms around you all and hold you close as you grieve for your loved one. May you share rich memories as you celebrate Doug's life. Sorry we can't be with you now, but we will try for a later date. We will continue to pray that God will lavish you with peace and comfort at this time."
In loving memory of
Douglas H. "Doug" Larson
March 7, 1942 - April 14, 2012
Douglas H. "Doug" Larson, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Saturday afternoon, April 14, 2012, at The Villages Regional Hospital in The Villages, Florida. He succumbed to complications from leukemia, after a bravely fought and lengthy battle.
A celebration of Doug's life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. A private burial will be held in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
Douglas Harold Larson was born on March 7, 1942 in Anamosa, Iowa, to Harold and Agatha (Lister) Larson. He grew up on a farm outside Anamosa and spent his youth involved in 4-H, highlighted by his Jones County Fair grand champion steer. He graduated from Anamosa High School in 1961 where he played basketball, ran track and quarterbacked the football team. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from State College of Iowa (now UNI) in 1965. While there he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and a four-year letter winner in track.
After graduation, Doug began working for the USDA until he was drafted during the Vietnam War. He proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 1st Calvary Division in the central highlands of Vietnam. Upon returning from the service, he married his college sweetheart, Diana Sue Fryman, on June 29, 1968 in Des Moines, Iowa. He resumed his employment with the USDA, initially in Monticello and then in December of 1968 in Maquoketa serving as the Jackson County Executive Director (ASCS). He enjoyed his work with Jackson county farmers for 35 years until his retirement in 2004.
Many things gave Doug joy, but his greatest love was being a proud Father to his three daughters, Darby, Dabney and Dory. He encouraged their lives with his quiet demeanor, constant presence and never an unkind word. He was incredibly generous and hard working. He loved his girls and they adored him. He was a loving husband to his devoted wife Diana, their bond was only strengthened during his long illness. Doug was also a much beloved "Papa" to his six grandchildren. He was appreciative of and blessed by many friends who provided him their continuous support. He will be deeply missed.
Doug was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Maquoketa Country Club. He had a passion for sports, especially golf. He taught his wife and daughters to play golf and completed his foursome with the addition of three sons-in-law. He rarely missed a Thursday Men's Day.
In retirement, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow, traveling, playing more golf, gardening, and wintering in The Villages, FL.
Doug is survived by his wife, Diana Larson of Maquoketa, IA; daughters, Darby (Todd) Clegg of Brookfield, WI, Dabney (Matthew) Hargrafen of Ames, IA, and Dory (Darren) Moon of Ames, IA; six grandchildren, Larson, Josie and Macy Clegg, Finley Hargrafen and Cameron and Evan Moon; and a sister, Diann (David) Gunderson of Galesburg, IL; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis and his sister-in-law Diane.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Maquoketa, the Community Foundation of Jackson County, and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City, IA.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"So many memories have been coming back to me this week. My parents were so lucky to have Doug (and Diana) as close friends since - well - forever for me. Darby - I can't remember your Dad ever getting mad at all of our silliness. So many playdates, sleepovers (in your house and forts outside!), skits, so many fun times at The Club, the lake, the Nelson's, skiing in Colorado... I'm sure many times he would have liked to tell us to stop laughing and focus on our golf game! He would just smile and say "you girls..." We did take 'keeping the car clean' seriously though! I would try to get him to wash my car while he was diligently keeping your family cars so nice. I'm so happy that my parents had such a good, honorable friend. And I feel so blessed to have spent so much of my childhood time with the fun-loving family that Doug fostered. I am praying for God to give you all peace and comfort at this time. "
"Diana, Darby, Dabney, Dory, and families, We are saddened to hear of the death of Doug. You are a wonderful family and the special memories you have made will live on forever. Please accept our sympathy. Jennifer, Bob, Liz, and Zach Gavin"
"Larson family, Sorry to hear of Doug's passing. You are in our thoughts and we hope that the memories of your families good times live with you all forever. "
"My deepest sympathy on such a profound loss. My heart goes out to Diana and the girls as well his entire family. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Fond memories will never fade so keep them close to you and may loving family and friends be a comfort to you now. Though I can not be there with you to celebrate Doug's life, please know that I am there with you in spirit. "
"Sympathy and prayers to Doug's family. I was a part of his "school" family from 1st thru 12th grade; his smiling face will be missed by his classmates at future reunions, too. Keep the good memories in your hearts to remember when you feel the sadness of your loss."
"Sending my sympathy to your family. May the good memories be a comfort."
"We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. It is never easy. May you know we care and will continue to pray for all. "
"Dory and family: We are saddened by the news of your Dad. Our thoughts to you and your entire family."
"One thing I remember about Doug was his sense of humor about being a small quaterback in High School.in Anamosa. He claims his success was to move fast and have a lot of big classmates around him who really did like him. To Sister Diann, Becky sends her sympathy and Martha (Denny's classmate) sends her's also."
"My sympathy to you and your family. As the former CED of Iowa County, I have many fond memories of Doug. He was always an inspiration to me. "
"Thinking of your family at this time of loss of a great man. I enjoyed working with and knowing Doug thru the FSA in Jones County. Glenda Eilers"
"Diana, I pray the love of God enfolds you and your family during your journey through grief."
"Larson Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories comfort you in your time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"To Dabney and the Larson family: one is never prepared for the loss of a loved one, and hope that your lovely memories will sustain you during this time of grief. sincere sympathies to you all. Pat Dobelis, ISU Thielen Student Health Center"
"Diana & family, My thoughts are with all of you. May you find comfort in the memories that will be shared. His love lives on in each of you. "
"Darby (and all of the Larson clan), So sorry to hear about your dad. Your families will be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come. Be strong and enjoy sharing all of your wonderful memories!"
"Darby, My prayers are with you and your family upon the loss of your dear father. May all the love you shared give you strength and may all your cherished memories fill your heart as you deal with the loss of him in your life. "
"Dear Dabney and family -- so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you comfort. Sincerely, Laura Knowles (Thielen Student Health Center)"
"We are so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. We feel so priviledged to have known him. You are a strong and wonderful family and we feel a part of it. Prayers, love, and sympathy. "
"Diana, Girls, and Family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news. We will think of Doug often as we spend time at MCC. We will keep all of you in our thoughts & prayers as you find strength from each other and all the wonderful memories! "
"Diana and family, I worked in Dubuque County FSA office with Earl McDermott as my CED. It was always a pleasure to talk and work with Doug. This saddens me to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Diana and family,
Was very sorry to hear of Doug's passing. He defiantly fought a good fight. My heart is saddened by your loss Diana. There will be a great void in all your lives, but just look around at your girls and you grandchildren and there he lives. They are his legacy...God Bless You All..."
"Diana and family. Our deepest sympathy on Doug's passing. We have fond memories of the two of you and his gentleness we shared with you when we would be at my sisters functions. God be with you."
"Diana and family, Doug sure made a great attempt to stay with you all. He was a good man and a great husband, father, grandfather. Cherish the memories and prayers for you all. Holly Wold"
"Diana, Darby, Dabney , Dory and families, When I think of Doug, I think of MCC and how many memories for us all are there. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. "