Obituary of Marvin Larson

Funeral: Friday, January 25, 2013 at 10:30am at Good News Community Church in Okoboji Burial: Franklin Township Cemetery, Cooper, Iowa Visitation: Thursday, January 24, 2013 after 3:00pm with the family present from 5:00-7:00pm at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Marvin Richard Larson was born July 1, 1933, on the farm near Stratford, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Elsie (Patterson) Larson. He spent most of his childhood years growing up on the family farm near Cooper, Iowa. He learned many lifelong lessons getting into mischief with his brothers and neighbor boys. He has said many times he would not take a million dollars in exchange for his time on the farm. In 1953, Marv was drafted into the Army and served in Germany. On August 6, 1955, Marv was united in marriage to Verna Dudley at the Methodist Church in Redfield, Iowa. After their marriage the couple moved to Ames, Iowa, where he attended Iowa State University and his lifelong love of being a Cyclone fan began! After graduating from college Marv began his 38 year career with the Soil Conservation Service in Carroll, Iowa, then moving to Primghar, Iowa, in 1969. His daughters knew that "black snow in the ditches was a bad thing and it's not dirt, it's soil—dirt is what is tracked into the house!" After retiring he moved into his dream home on East Lake Okoboji in August of 1999. Marv spent many hours in the shop restoring his 1923 Model T Ford, his pride and joy! He enjoyed sharing many stories and visits with family and friends, bird watching on the deck, T rides, and sharing a bowl of his famous homemade ice cream, all while professing his loyalty to country and never forgetting the dedication required to keep 'Ol Glory flying. Being President of the O'Brien County SnowTrackers and a member of Model T Clubs and the Good News Community Church kept Marv busy and active in the community. He was most proud of his daughters and truly cherished his family and friends, believing life's treasures lie within the familial constructs of love, compassion, and laughter. He lived life to the fullest, guided by the principles of the "Golden Rule"—a lesson he instilled in us all that will stand the test of time. Marvin died Monday, January 21, 2013, in his home at the age of 79. Marvin leaves to cherish his memory his daughters: Cheryl and Steve Harriman of Dunn, NC; Cindy and Mark Voss of Spirit Lake, IA; and Carol and Tim Feldotto of Southlake, TX; seven grandchildren: Jeremy and Jennifer Hoefling; Brice and Seth Voss; and Kelcie, Tayler, and Kolby Feldotto, and one great grandchild: Liam (Jeremy and Eunice Hoefling). He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna, and daughter Donna in 1971; his parents; and one brother Eldon.