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
Jeff McConkey
02/27/2017
My deepest sympathies go out to John's family and his large circle of friends. I knew John from the time that we were in elementary school and like everyone else, I can not believe that he is gone. I will never forget how he treated everyone like a long lost friend and would selflessly go out of his way to help anyone who needed it. Even as adults he would brag about the cookies that my mom made for him when we were little kids. You couldn't hope to find someone with a bigger heart and the world would be a better place with more people like John. RIP my friend.
Lynette & James Mason
02/27/2017
I worked with John at the bar for over 15 years at Bourbon Street. He was family. I will miss you. Or hearing say PBS, CB, Hey BOSS or how tell people "Don't worry Lynette can handle herself. Or how you tell the pizza story. I love you and will miss you. Thank you for letting me be a part of you life. You left to early. Thank you mom & dad Larson for raising such a wonderful person. Praying for you all. JOHN keep flying high & see you!
Carole Ballenger
02/26/2017
Thank you, John, for being such a wonderful friend to Lance throughout the years. You always lent a helping hand when he needed you, shared laughter and tears through good times and difficult times. You left this earth too soon but this mom will always be grateful that you were such a good friend in my son's life. Praying for God's peace and comfort for the family.
Dawn Ray-Lorenzen
02/26/2017
It's hard to believe you are gone. I feel you were so much more mature then your age, an old soul. I say this with the upmost respect, but wen we were in high school I thought you were a little weird. My mom saw through when my immaturity couldn't. You along with a very short list of people stole her heart. She cared for you deeply. So make sure to tell her I love and miss her everyday. Bless your family and my thoughts are with them in their time of sorrow.
Linda Weaver
02/25/2017
John was a wonderful friend to my daughter, Elinda, in high school and when her first son was born. She worked night shift, and I worked 3-11. John would bring my newborn grandson to RR Donnelley to me when I got off work and insisted on waiting till my car was warm to move the baby's car seat to my car. He was a great friend with a kind heart and was loved by many. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by so many, and we were all blessed to have John in our lives.
Mark Ritter
02/25/2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. I think of the good times we had at haunted house, apple river, Christmas shopping tour. The thing I always admired about John is how he watched out for his family & friends he did things for others most would never know about, when going through a bad time John stopped at my house at least once a month for well over a year just to see how my son and I were doing if we needed anything.He might have acted like he didn't care but all of us know he cared so much.
Joe & Dixie Radke
02/25/2017
We can't take away your sadness...but we can share it. Our thoughts and prayers surround John's children, brother, parents, family and friends.
Carolyn Ramsey
02/24/2017
My condolences to John and his family and friends. Where do I begin he was my best friend. He was there when I needed someone the most day or night. He fixed A LOT of my cars after breaking down or wrecks. And he gave me lots lectures about all that too trust me. I can hear him now. I see that smile . He was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He loved his family. His kids. His friends. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Eric Wildman
02/24/2017
My condolences to John's family. He was a very caring person and my close friend since age 10. We grew up 1-block away from each other. Doing anything with John was guaranteed to be fun and adventurous. He was a very genuine and kind soul.
Justin Schillerberg
02/24/2017
My condolences to the family, I don't have the words to convey how how much John meant to me. I am deeply saddened by his passing. John was always there for me whenever and for whatever, I am eternally grateful for having been his friend.