Leroy Allen Larsen
January 19, 1937 — August 5, 2024
Leroy Allen Larsen, the only child of George and Zona (Nelson) Larsen was born on January 19, 1937 on a farm in Audubon County, Iowa. He was baptized on May 2, 1937 at Audubon Lutheran Church. On May 12, 1951, Leroy was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, where he remained a lifetime member. He began school at Jackson #7 Country School and then proceeded to two other country schools before he entered Harlan High School, where he gave interest in FFA. During Leroy's junior year, he received the Farmer Degree at State Conference and was Vice President of the Harlan Chapter and received the Dekalb agriculture award during his senior year in 1955.
On July 27, 1958, Leroy was united in marriage to Phyllis Lavonne Lebeck at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Walnut, Iowa. To this union, three children were born, Lance, Lona, and Lanette. Leroy worked three years at Farm Service Coop as a manager trainer before he began his lifelong career farming. He served for 15 years on the Board of the Mustard Seed Christian bookstore, over four years on Salem Home Board and volunteered on the Shelby County Farm Bureau Board. He was very active at Bethlehem Lutheran Church serving over 20 years on the church council as Treasurer, Deacon, Financial Secretary, and President. He and Phyllis retired to Harlan in 2016.
All who knew Leroy can attest to his aptitude for numbers, attention to detail, masterful card playing and faithfulness in serving his community as well as supporting many in the mission field beyond his community. He will be missed as a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, and loyal friend to so many.
Leroy passed away at his home in Harlan on Monday, August 5, 2024, attaining the age of eighty-seven years, six months, and seventeen days. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Zona Nelson and daughter Lanette Lea Larsen.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Larsen of Harlan, IA; children, Lance (Lori) Larsen of Harlan, IA, Lona Paganis of Fayetteville, AR; 3 grandchildren, James (Chandler) Paganis of Royse City, TX, Julia (Patton) Conroy of Fayetteville, AR, Michael Larsen of Harlan, IA; 4 great-grandchildren, Bennett Conroy, Dawson Conroy, Thea Paganis, and Chapman Paganis; sister-in-law, Lorie Knudsen of Harlan, IA; other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial donations be made to Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn or Elm Crest Retirement in Harlan.
On July 27, 1958, Leroy was united in marriage to Phyllis Lavonne Lebeck at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Walnut, Iowa. To this union, three children were born, Lance, Lona, and Lanette. Leroy worked three years at Farm Service Coop as a manager trainer before he began his lifelong career farming. He served for 15 years on the Board of the Mustard Seed Christian bookstore, over four years on Salem Home Board and volunteered on the Shelby County Farm Bureau Board. He was very active at Bethlehem Lutheran Church serving over 20 years on the church council as Treasurer, Deacon, Financial Secretary, and President. He and Phyllis retired to Harlan in 2016.
All who knew Leroy can attest to his aptitude for numbers, attention to detail, masterful card playing and faithfulness in serving his community as well as supporting many in the mission field beyond his community. He will be missed as a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, and loyal friend to so many.
Leroy passed away at his home in Harlan on Monday, August 5, 2024, attaining the age of eighty-seven years, six months, and seventeen days. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Zona Nelson and daughter Lanette Lea Larsen.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Larsen of Harlan, IA; children, Lance (Lori) Larsen of Harlan, IA, Lona Paganis of Fayetteville, AR; 3 grandchildren, James (Chandler) Paganis of Royse City, TX, Julia (Patton) Conroy of Fayetteville, AR, Michael Larsen of Harlan, IA; 4 great-grandchildren, Bennett Conroy, Dawson Conroy, Thea Paganis, and Chapman Paganis; sister-in-law, Lorie Knudsen of Harlan, IA; other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial donations be made to Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn or Elm Crest Retirement in Harlan.
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