John A. Larson

February 23, 2017

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

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