John A. Larson
February 23, 2017
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Service Details
John A. Larson, 43, of Des Moines passed away unexpectedly in his sleep of sudden cardiac failure in the morning hours of Thursday, February 23, 2017 at his home.
John was born and raised in Norwalk, graduating from Norwalk High School in 1992. He later moved to Des Moines where he started a family with Michelle Strong. John had a passion for tinkering with engines and motors. In his youth, he worked on small engines, mopeds, and lawn equipment.
As an adult, John became involved in the Des Moines Jaycees and met many people who would become friends for life. He was named Jaycee of the Year in 2001. His biggest thrill was the annual Jaycee Haunted House in which he enjoyed cranking up his chainsaw and seeing how many Halloween scares he could get while in his “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” Leatherface character. John treasured the life of animals, particularly his many cats and chickens.
John filled many days and nights working on cars and trucks for family and friends… followed by good cold beer. He worked a variety of jobs but spent a large stint with a local pest control company, and most recently as a concrete truck driver. He worked off and on over the years at Bourbon Street Bar which he considered nearly to be his second family. In recent months he had been preparing to launch a new business with his good friend, Lance.
John leaves behind his parents, Penni (Mel) Larson of Norwalk, and David (Susan) Larson; daughters Kayla Larson and Ashley Montgomery; son, Scott Larson, all of Des Moines; brother, David (Leann) Larson of West Des Moines; step-sister, Michelle Moody-Trip of Tacoma, WA; and numerous family members and friends.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frances and Joyce Bennett, Ruth and Paul Larson; and good friend Dave Fairfield.
Family visitation will occur Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A Celebration Ceremony will occur Friday, March 3, 2017 at 12:00 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, immediately followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. *NOTE Visitation and Service at different Hamilton's Locations
Memorial contributions may be directed to his family or to the Animal Rescue League.
Online condolences may be made at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Brian Gogerty
03/02/2017
John was one of a kind, and a once in a lifetime friend! He would do anything for anyone at anytime! Truly a great person who will be missed by many! Rest In Peace my good friend!!
Joannes Pool
03/02/2017
John was a welcoming, creative, and fun-loving soul. I regret seeing less of him recently after my moving out of state. I wish the best to his family and close friends.
Michelle Moody-Tripp
03/01/2017
I am still in shock that John has passed. He was too young to leave us. John was my step-brother. He was such a great guy, full of smiles and always, always willing to help. I know he's looking down on all, smiling that big smile of his. He was a great help to my step-dad, Dave Larson and my mother, living next door, keeping a watch over things. My heart is saddened for my loving Step Dad, Dave. Just too young to go so sudden. I loved my Step Brother, John.
May you all find healing and strength through our Lord and Savior at this time. May we always remember life is short and unpredictable. Love and smile often.
Lori Perry
03/01/2017
To young to be gone-thank you John for working on my cars & just being the great person you were
Bill & Sandy Horning
03/01/2017
Penni, and Family:
We are so sad for you and your family to know the heartache and sadness you feel at the loss of your loved one. No words or sentiment could possibly relieve the pain you feel at this moment. Time and God will help to ease the big void that follows a deep hurt such as you are having to endure. We send big hugs and prayers to all of you! May God hold you in his arms!!!!
Michael Vercande
03/01/2017
John was a dear friend, we spent many nights together working on the haunted house and were always glad when it was done. It would seem at times that we would never be ready, but some how John pulled it out of his hat. If it wasn't for John I wouldn't have my cat Stinker. It was 10 years ago last September, I was sitting at the haunted house waiting for people to show up to work and getting ready to say the heck with it and go home. When John came in with his usual "V" and says look what I found, and in his hands was a tiny kitten that was skin and bones and had been meowing till he was horse and filthy dirty. A week later I adopted stinker from John and now I don't know what I would do without him. You will be sorely missed brother, RIP.
P.S. we be doing a favorite event of John's on March 7 the, in his memory. Answering phones at IPTV festival, he loved doing it because of the free food they supplied.
Rex Morris
02/28/2017
My heart aches to see that you, Penni, have suffered such an unexpected loss. I will pray that your faith and our Lord Jesus will carry you through these crippling times. May strength, love and peace be yours, now and always. Love and Hugs.
BJ Gesme
02/27/2017
Penni, I am so sorry to read about your son. Such a young life cut down in his prime. Prayers and love to you and the family.
Andrea Timm
02/27/2017
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
GONZO
02/27/2017
John was a great guy..i met him in the Jaycees..stayed friends throughout..always worked on my cars..he was a very intelligent mechanic..he was always helping others no matter what..very caring Gentle Giant
He will be truely missed..it is just so shocking heartbreaking in his sudden passing..Bless you John may u Rest in Eternal Peace..you are one of the good ones..
Jan and Rich Senecaut
02/27/2017
There are no words for such sorrow. Our son Jason was a friend of John's and I remember him fondly from Norwalk schools. You have our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer and Chris Graham
02/27/2017
We were so saddened to hear this news. So young, he always made us laugh, and that Lampoons car I will never forget. Thanks John for helping me too at Bourbon when I worked there. Such a fun loving guy who loves animals, such a saint. We will never forget you.
Terrie (Kirsch) Severin
02/27/2017
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. He was still so young! I remember all his hard work with the Jaycees. Always willing to lend a hand, smile and crack a joke! Prayers and comfort to his family at this time. No doubt he is driving the yellow Seniom Sed bus up there with Will Mathes.
Barbara A Proctor
02/27/2017
John you are a part of our extended forever family. I enjoyed watching you boys grow up. You had so many adventures on mopeds and later in cars. I am proud of the man you became. Your big heart led you to drive to Bloomfield for my Dad's visitation. Meant the world to my family. You always had a smile and I never heard you speak badly of anyone, other than your Mom's dog that ate everything! Thank you for being a good friend, whom we knew we could count on. I hope your Grandma, Will, and other loved ones greeted you with open arms. My heart aches for your children, parents, brother, and friends. I won't say goodbye, but rather look forward to seeing you again and hearing "B A R B" as only you could say. Miss you kiddo. You took a piece of my heart with you.
Ann (Mathes) Bibby
02/27/2017
Was shocked and saddened to learn about John's passing. He was a lovely person and a dear friend to me and to my late husband, Will Mathes, who loved John like a brother.
There are so many stories but one thing that sticks out in my mind (aside from the tuxedo he ruined at an after party following my wedding reception) was the time I was having trouble with my car, and he took time out of his day to come to Goodrell Middle School, where I was teaching, to take a look. Whenever I had vehicle issues, he was the first one I called and he always knew what was wrong.
43 is much too young but if there is a heaven, I am sure he is there now with Will, shooting some pool and catching up on old times.