Larry Alvin Larson
November 19, 1944 - September 30, 2026

Larry Alvin Larson, age 81, of Luana, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at The Highlands Memory Care Facility in Decorah, Iowa.

Larry was born November 19, 1944, in Oelwein, Iowa. He was the son of Harold Leonard Larson and Margaretta Ameli (Warnke) Larson. He was born into a large family and was one of 11 children. On September 5, 1964, Larry married the love of his life, Zella Marie Welch, in Wadena, Iowa. Together they built a life that spanned nearly five decades of marriage and generations of family before her passing in 2014. Larry and Zella raised five children: Larry Larson Jr., Rodney Larson, Kirk Larson, Theresa Larson-Bushnell, and Betsie Larson.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army for six years, from April 19, 1969, until his honorable separation on April 18, 1975. During his Army career, Larry trained and served as a truck mechanic, military occupational specialty 63B30, a fitting beginning to what would become a lifelong connection with trucks and the road. Larry was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany and later served overseas during the Vietnam War and later served with the 380th Transportation Company. He attained the rank of Specialist Five (SP5), pay grade E-5, before leaving active duty. His military decorations and qualifications included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Good Conduct Medal, Driver Badge, Mechanics Qualification Badge, and Expert Badge with the M-14 rifle.

Larry remained proud of his service and of being a United States Army veteran throughout his life. Larry’s connection with trucks did not end when he took off his Army uniform. For Larry, trucking was more than a career; it became part of who he was. His knowledge and love of trucks were passed along to others. Following his military service, he built a long and respected career as a professional truck driver, working for several trucking companies, including Decker Truck Line, and traveling countless miles on America’s highways. His professionalism behind the wheel earned him many honors, including Driver of the Month, two-million-mile driving awards, and safety awards.

After Larry retired from full-time trucking in 2012, he continued driving for several local farmers and helping in the fields. He took pride in staying busy, lending a hand whenever one was needed, and remaining connected to the local farming community in the Luana area. Larry enjoyed hunting and especially loved fishing with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his strength, humor, devotion to his family, and the many stories and memories he shared throughout his life.

Larry is survived by his five children: Larry Larson Jr., Rodney Larson, Kirk Larson, Theresa Larson-Bushnell (Matt), and Betsie Larson (Chris); his brother, Terry Larson; his sister, Sandra “Sandy” Kisner (Tom); nine grandchildren, James McCutcheon (Keisha), Lynn Raustad (Troy), Lacey Ngirmidol, Brenden Bushnell, Dakota Bushnell, Bryson Bushnell (Megan), Austin, Courtney Christian (5 children), and Sammy Griffith (Gerald); and 16 great-grandchildren: Natalia, Tiana, Zach, Eric, Cameron, Deshawn, Lacey, Raylen, Ashton, Bexlee and Evelyn. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members, including in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Leonard and Margaretta Amelia Larson; his beloved wife, Zella Marie Larson; his four brothers, Wayne Larson, Harry Larson, Junior Larson, and James Larson; his four sisters, Vivian Miller, Charlotte Miller, Bonnie Hassler, and Mary Spragg; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecile James “C.J.” Welch and Lillian (Boleyn) Welch; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his daughter-in-law, Debra Larson.

Larry will be cremated, and a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to send cards or memorials may send them to:

Family of Larry A. Larson
13473 Dolphin Ave.
Luana, Iowa 52156

Larry spent much of his life on the road, but the place that mattered most was always wherever his family was. After more than 12 years apart, his family finds comfort imagining Larry and Zella together again—with a beautiful big boat waiting for them, a calm lake stretching out ahead, and all the time in the world to go fishing.

Rest easy, Red. Your work here is done, and your final run is complete. You were deeply loved, you will always be remembered, and you will be greatly missed.

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