ARMY
1942-1973

Ira E. Larson, an Iowan his entire life, was born in 1913 in northeast Iowa. He was the grandson of Swedish immigrants and as a youth lived on a farm where he learned the value of hard work. Attending country school, he realized the importance of education and wanted to pursue a college degree. He graduated from Luther College in 1936 and spent his lifetime in the field of education. His children grew up in Osage and moved to Cedar Rapids in 1963. He was both a teacher and administrator, serving as Mitchell County Superintendent of Schools and Linn County Superintendent of Schools. He completed his career at Kirkwood Community College, of which he is considered one of its founding fathers, as Assistant Superintendent, also acting as interim Superintendent after the departure of Selby Ballentine. Ira enlisted in the US military during World War II. He served his country proudly, serving with distinction with the US Army 8th Armored Division in the European Theater of Operations. He continued his military career in the Army Reserve until 1973, retiring at the rank of colonel. He was an active member of the Linn County Reserve Officers Association and helped form the group that performs military honors at funerals. He was a true patriot who loved this country and was so grateful for the many freedoms often taken for granted. Ira worked to better the conditions of others...be it the young or elderly. He was a man of great faith and optimism. He and his wife Doris raised six children and instilled in them the importance of being a good citizen and to help make this a better country through service. Colonel Larson was loved by all who knew him.

Honored by: Your loving and proud family