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James W. "Jim" Larson

1914 - 2001

James W. "Jim" Larson, 86, of Belmond, died Friday, June 22, 2001, from complications of open-heart surgery at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center in Mason City. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at the United Methodist Church in Belmond with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. Music was provided by Maxine Jenison, organist and Joleen Rolland, soloist. Ushers were Harold Baket and Roger Modderman. Honorary casket bearers were Randy Ausborn, Brian Krutz, and Allen Larson. Casket bearers were Ray Cyfert, Dave Kennedy, Terry Mients, Verlyn Keeling, Craig Mients, and John Schwichtenberg.

James, the son of John and Marne (Mary) Kolling Larson was born on August 27, 1914 at Woden. He was the last survivor of a family of nine children. Jim, at an early age, moved with his family to Klemme. He attended country schools and Klemme schools, graduating from Klemme High School in 1934. After high school Jim worked with his father on the farm.

Jim married Clara Bell Prouty on February 27, 1938 in Garner. The couple made their home in Klemme and Belmond. Jim was a farmer at heart, but also worked as a tractor mechanic. He ran the Larson's DX in Belmond during the 1950s. Jim retired in the mid-1960s. Jim enjoyed fishing and mowing yard. He will be remembered for his beautiful homemade lamps. He was a care giver for his wife for years, before declining health required that she go to the Belmond Health Care Center. They celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage. Clara preceded him in death four years ago. Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church in Belmond and the IOOF Lodge of Belmond.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Clara in 1997; five sisters, Sylvia, Clara, Lenora, Esther and Bess and three brothers, Harry, Ralph and Elmer.

Survivors include his three children: Mary Ausborn and her husband Bob of Ames; Ruth Larson and her friend Ray Cyfert of Belmond; Arthur and his wife Penny of Sacramento, CA; nine grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Maureen Gow of Wilton, CA and a host of other relatives and friends.


source: Belmond Independent, 25 June 2001

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