Gary Lee Larsen

Gary Lee Larsen, 79, died peacefully at home on October 12, 2021.

Gary was born on March 1, 1942, to Elmer and Eva (Petersen) Larsen in Hamlin, Iowa. Gary graduated from North Nodaway HIgh School in Hopkins, Missouri in 1960. He then moved to Des Moines and attended Iowa Barber College. On May 5, 1963, Gary married Janet (Garrard) and they have made many memories together over the past 58 years.

Gary worked as a mechanic at Armstrong Tire and retired after 30 years. After his retirement he worked at Aircraft Supermarket in DeSoto, and in construction until he completely retired at age 72.

Gary’s children Sheryl and Kevin were blessed with the most amazing dad. He always had time for them and made family vacations a priority, from cross-country trips to camping at Saylorville Lake. They always knew he loved them no matter what, even when he used his “big voice” to get his point across.

Gary lived life to the fullest every day. He worked hard, played hard and loved big. He told the best stories, although he may have embellished minor details. He was always thinking of ways to have a good time, and was known as the “fun uncle” by his many nieces and nephews. Gary loved adventure, which he achieved by racing cars, demolition derby, driving his Harley, learning to fly ultralight aircraft, dirt biking, boating, water skiing and anything else he could dream up.

Gary was always generous to anyone he saw needing help. He was a kind son, brother, husband, father, uncle, Papa, neighbor and friend. Everyone that loved him will feel his absence, but have so many wonderful memories to remind them of the one-of-a-kind man that he was.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rebecca Saar, brother Darald Larsen, brother-in-law Craig Stumme and sister-in-law Kila Larsen. He is survived by wife Janet, daughter Sheryl (Kevin) Holle, son Kevin Larsen; brothers Virgil (Mary Ann) Larsen and Leon (Sharon) Larsen; sister Joy Stumme; sisters-in-law Betty Akers, Mary Ann Guerrero and Lois Hodge; brother-in-law Phil Saar; grandchildren Grant (Anna) Holle, Garrett Holle, Gavin (Miranda) Holle, Greg Holle, Galia Holle and Graycen Holle; great-grandchildren Bennett, Easton, Marcus, Kylan and Avery Holle; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 15, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. and a funeral service will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., both at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee. Interment to follow at the Brethren Cemetery outside of Dallas Center.

Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Gary's final arrangements.