Eric Larsen

Eric Allan Larsen, "Uncle Herky", treasured son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away at his home on Sunday, September 4, 2011, with his loving family and friends in his presence due to complications of peritoneum cancer. He was 48 years old. Eric was born April 26, 1963 to Darald Larsen and Betty (Saunders) Larsen in Ames, Iowa. Eric married his wife, Rhonda Willms- Larsen on June 18, 2005 . In their 6 years of marriage Eric and Rhonda have created a lifetime of joy and memories as they made their life on "Hooter Hill". Eric has one daughter, Sierra Kai Larsen, whom he has raised and who is his pride and joy. Eric has three step-children: Tyller Freeman and friend Ashley Koester, Lane Freeman, and Nicole Urkoski(husband Jason and son Max). Eric is survived by his mother, Betty Larsen-Akers and her husband Dennis of Walnut, Iowa; Lori Baldwin and husband John; Karol Beckendorf and husband Mark ; Rachel Hamilton and husband Ronald; LeAnne Blotzer and fiancé Terry McCarthy; Ryan Akers and wife Angie; Robb Akers and wife Amy; Rob Willms and wife Sheila; Keryl Grasty and husband Vernie; Arlyce Diddy; Myra Willms; LeAnn Murphy and husband Pat; and Roger Willms and wife Jeanene . Eric leaves behind nieces and nephews Cole, Sarah, and Connor Sievers; Steven and Jenna Baldwin; Kacey and Corey Beckendorf; Alyssa and Joel Becerra; Zachary, Dillan, and Madison Hamilton; Jordan, Joseph, and Emma Blotzer; Ashtyn and Ayden McCarthy; Rachel and Paul Kongshaug; Levi and Jessica Willms; Nick and Erin Grasty; Kim Grasty; Shilo and Dominic Melendez; Amanda and Levi Hancock; Lucas and Shelia Murphy; Cody Murphy; Cheyenne and Michael Dullard; and Austin, Skylar, and Payden Willms. Additonally, Eric has a host of great nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles dear to his heart. Eric is preceded in death by his father, Darald Larsen, grandparents, Emma and Howard Saunders and Elmer and Eva Larsen, and aunt Becky Saar. Eric graduated from Walnut Community High School in 1981. He attended Colorado School of Trade in Denver, Colorado and studied gunsmithing. Eric was co-owner of Larsen and Son Construction and was employed as a Foreman for Walnut Communications at the time his illness began. Eric was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa; National Rifle Association, and Land Improvement Contractors Association. Eric was an avid hunter, fisher, and gun expert and Eric was always happy to share his experience with others. Eric was known for his quick wit, his heartwarming smile, and his laughter. Children flocked to Eric as his unconditional love and joy in the little things were always evident. Eric was a friend to everyone and he knew no strangers. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the "A Team" Amy Malloy and Amber Burke for the above and beyond nursing care they provided to Eric. Memorial donations will be forwarded to charities designated by Eric.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic.

Burial of cremated remains will be in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials that will be designated at a later date.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, IA, is in charge of the arrangements.