Robert "Bob" Larson

At home, surrounded by family, Robert “Bob” Larson, 73, of Clear Lake, passed away on November 27, 2024. Born on May 24, 1951, in Charles City, to Wayne and Betty (Elizabeth Esser) Larson, Bob graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School in 1969.

He married Marcia (Behnke) of Greene, on January 29, 1971. Drafted into the Army on May 24, 1971, he served in Schweinfurt, Germany until spring of 1973. He returned to the states to help his father-in-law on the family farm before earning a Building Trades diploma from North Iowa Area Community College.

For 49 years, Bob and Marcia lived in Dougherty, raising their two children, Jamie and Tony. He managed co-ops in Dougherty, Nashua, and Cambridge, Minn. before transitioning to Seabee Corporation in Hampton and finally retiring from Kraft Foods in 2017. In 2020, they moved to their forever home in Clear Lake where ‘The Shed’ became a favorite gathering spot filled with friends, food and Black Velvet on the rocks.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Bob cherished deer hunts in Clermont and over 40 years of fishing trips to Pine Point Resort in Canada. He often bragged about Marcia out-fishing him, telling friends who asked for fishing tips “just take Marcia with you.”

Bob was known for his kindness, generosity, and love for family, especially his grandkids. Bob will forever be known as a friend to everyone. If you knew him at all, you know he was selfless even in his last days. He was patient, generous and kind. He was a man of few words but he was always willing to share a drink and lend an ear to anyone who needed it. He loved his wife and kids but his grandkids were his pride and joy. He hunted and fished with them. He was always happiest when one of them got the deer or the fish instead of him. He looked forward to attending all of their sporting events including football, baseball, track, wrestling and a little soccer. He even allowed hair styling and fingernail painting.

Survived by his wife of 53 years, Marcia; daughter Jamie (Matt) Brinkman and son Tony (Becky) Larson; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; father, Wayne Larson; siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and many special friends. Bob leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Cole Lexus Larson; mother, Betty Larson; brother, Rick Larson; and sister-in-law, Cora Behnke. Bob requested no services; it was his wish to have a celebration of his life at a later time.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.