John Wesley Larson

John Wesley Larson was born October 10, 1931, to Clifford and Ethel (Turin) Larson at their home in Hayes Township, Kiron, Iowa. He attended school in Kiron, IA, and was on the basketball team graduating in 1949. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a Billy Graham Crusade as a teen. After graduation John was drafted and spent two years serving his country in Korea. Upon his discharge he returned to Kiron and farmed with his father and brother, Lewellyn. On July 22, 1967, he was united in marriage with Roby Lin Kenney in Batavia, Ill. They lived on his home place north of Kiron. Wes was interested in Christian radio, and built a radio station in Rapid City, SD, which is still broadcasting the Word of God. Wes held offices in his Legion, was active in the Gideon ministry and served as Deacon for many years at First Baptist Church in Kiron. In 1969, Bethany Lin was born, followed in 1970 by John Wesley, Jr. Wes was a loving father who enjoyed his children’s and grandson’s activities. Wes died Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, IA. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 79 years, 8 months and 22 days. Welcoming him in heaven are his parents, his brother Lewellyn, sisters Elaine and Lucille and four infant grandchildren, Katie, Natalie, Matthew and Jacob. Those left to celebrate his life are his wife, Roby Lin Larson of Kiron, children: Bethany (Patrick) Duthie and sons, Zack and Luke of New York City, New York and John (Julie) Larson and sons, Samuel, Joshua, Tate and Joey of Johnston, Iowa; sisters-in-law; Wanda Larson of Kiron, Danielle (Dave) Stitt and Kathleen (Bob) May of Richmond, Virginia, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 7, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Kiron, Iowa, with Pastor Bruce Kaihoi officiating. Music for the service was provided by soloist, Chad Larson, and the congregation singing “Wonderful Peace” and “Children of the Heavenly Father” with Wilma Anderson serving as organist. Those serving as pallbearers included Conwell Lindstrom, Herbert J. Turin, and Clayton, Curtis, Chad and Conwell Larson. Prior to the burial a luncheon was served by the First Baptist Church Social Committee at the church. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 8, Denison, Iowa, and Post 383, Kiron, Iowa, was at the Kiron Cemetery in Kiron. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.