Mervin Larson

Although he looked forward to “triple digits,” Mervin Harold Larson, 94, of rural Gunder, died Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa. He was born March 30, 1922, in Highland Township, Clayton County, Iowa, to Adolph and Anna Marie “Mary” (Johnson) Larson. Mervin was baptized and confirmed at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Elkader where in 1900 his great grandfather was a founding member.

He graduated from Elkader High School in 1939. On November 25, 1947, Mervin was united in marriage with Elva Mae Lerch at Highland Lutheran Church. Four children were born to this union. The couple farmed near Elkader, Iowa until 1967; moving north of Gunder where he farmed until age 75. He successfully raised Hampshire hogs and Holstein dairy cattle. Mervin was a true steward of the land.

Mervin was a member of Highland Lutheran Church where he served as president and secretary.  He was also a member of Clayton County Pork Producers, Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau, and volunteered at Valley Community Schools serving as a tutor and mentor.  In his earlier years he served as a leader of the Worthwhile 4-H Club and played with the Turkey River Wildcats Baseball Team.  He enjoyed playing cards and he and Elva Mae belonged to neighborhood card clubs where they played 500 and euchre. The couple also enjoyed traveling and dancing.  He was entertained by watching sports – especially the Chicago White Sox and Dallas Cowboys.  After his wife’s death, he lived independently for 16 years on his farm with the assistance of his daughters, helper Pam Gordon, and family handyman Michael Reinhardt.

Survivors include his children, Sandra (friend, Marie Muehlenbein) Larson of Northville, MI, Shirleen (Michael) Reinhardt of Elgin, Karma (Charlie) Poesch of Waverly; nine grandchildren, Shelley Harbaugh, Sabrina Hangartner, Sonya Anderson, Jesse (Jen) Reinhardt, Josie Mae (Korey) Witt, Carly, Christopher, Collin, and Chelsea Poesch; ten great-grandchildren, Sierra, Alayna, Adrianna, Tyler, Lindsey, Hunter Lars, Cayl, Dayne, Jace, Nora; two great-great-grandchildren, Jonathon, Ella Mae; sisters, Velma Berns of Elkader and Mildred Christianson of Edgewood; brother, Donald (Rita) Larson of Elkader and special friend, Ivanelle Hoth of Elkader.  He is also survived by his aunt Minerva Blockhus and a host of beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Elva Mae in 2000; his son, Stanley in 1997; and three siblings, Norma Harrington, Ruby Rivers, and Carroll Larson.  During his long life he treasured the memories of many special relatives and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Highland Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Elkader with Rev. David Coffin officiating. Interment was at Highland Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends called from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and after 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Service assisted the family.