Richard Larson

Richard Warner Larson died November 4th,2017 surrounded by his family in his home."Dick" was born on Saturday, May 15th 1937 at community General Hospital in Sterling Illinois.The son of August A and Althea (Warner) Larson. He made Sterling/Rock Falls his home his entire life, Dick attended Northern Illinois University, he served in the army reserves following high school. In the summer, of 1958 Sunday June 22, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Dianna (Roden) Larson, at the first Baptist church in Sterling. Early in his adult life Dick worked for Vernon Gottel construction and gained experience as a trim carpenter. He also worked for Northwestern Steel & Wire where he was an electrician and General Foreman for the rewind shop. At the request of his family, he joined the family business of Larson Hardware Manufacturing in Rock Falls and served as President for 41 years with his brother John Larson, his son Eric Larson, along with his nephew Matthew and niece Valarie Larson. Dick was an active member of the First Baptist church, He was one of many men that helped in the construction of the church, he served on the board of Trustees and a Deacon, he enjoyed the fellowship of working with the many men of the church caring for the maintenance both inside and out. He was a member of the Beacon Class where Tom Rosenow was teacher with Harry Kirchner & Paul Cannon substituting, Dick considered these men to be both mentors and friends.Dick quietly expressed his love of Jesus his lord and savior with the love for his wife, children and grandchildren and their friends. He spent his childhood summers learning how to water ski, sail, swim and scuba dive on Lake Delavan. He continued his love of Lake Delavan for the rest of his life, Sharing this love with his wife, children, and grandchildren as well as many close friends. He welcomed them all and listened He coached, and guided them in many lake front activities including both fun and sometimes hard work.He had complete admiration and love for each of his grandchildren. Jannika Casten, Austin Larson, Kyle Casten, Kirstin Larson Seward Keanu Interone, Linnea Larson, Arie Interone, Ian Casten & Quintin Larson. He repeatedly reminded them all to “Make good choices.” He had some favorite things... home made chocolate chip cookies, any length of rope was a "keeper"( and always useful). He could tie a variety of very useful knots, He also made delicious home made chocolate syrup. Dick is also known for his ability to fix anything and everything, and he loved doing it so. "Things will always change but we are going to enjoy our time together." - Richard W. Larson We weep our loss but we find peace in the love, care and dedication you gave your wife, children and grandchildren. God speed, dear man, until our loving arms surround each other again. Amen His wife, Dianna; Their son Eric, and wife Lupe Larson, his daughters; Yonda and husband Michael Casten, and Shana and husband Carmelo Interone. His nine grandchildren. His brother John and wife Linda, nephews Matthew Larson, niece Valarie Larson. His sister-in-law Patricia Grandon Daschback, nephew Scott Grandon, and Page Grandon, niece Della Grandon- Mullineaux, As well as many great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Friday, November 10, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Sterling, with Reverend Jack Smith, pastor, officiating and Dr. Reverend Nate Williams, co-officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Thursday at the Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation. A memorial has been established.