Jeffrey Noel Larsen, 78, State Center
With love, laughter, and tears, we celebrate the life of our husband, dad, and papa, Jeffrey Noel Larsen, who left us too soon on May 22, 2025. A true character, he spent 78 years living life with few regrets and always with a story to tell.
He was born on January 1, 1947, in Fort Dodge, Iowa and moved to State Center in 1956 where his family settled and made their home. It was here he met his lifelong friend – Dick Egger – and many shenanigans ensued that to this day we’re not entirely privy to.
After graduating from State Center in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Enterprise. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Iowa and met his wife, Karen. They wed in 1976 and lived and loved unconditionally for over 50 years. To this day nobody understands how she managed him for all those years – the woman is truly a saint. Together they raised three daughters – Christine, DeAnna, and JoDee.
His legacy extends beyond his three children to seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Like many things, he improved with age and being a Papa was where he truly exceled.
He was a man of simple pleasures: a Pepper game, a beer with friends, birdwatching, and putzing around the land he grew up on. He loved gathering with family (and equally loved when we all left), barking orders, peach pie, tracking cattle prices, and his beloved cat, Tippy – the only animal he ever allowed in the house.
He was loud and unapologetic and left a lasting impression on all he met. He may have been a little rough around the edges, but when it came to family and friends, he was all in. We can only hope that wherever he’s gone, he’s found a game of Pepper and is still bidding out his ass.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen, daughters Christine Connelly, DeAnna (Stan) Zandarski, JoDee (Josh) Larsen Hassler; grandchildren Leah (Rob) Lindsay, Liberty (Mike) Hansen, Logan (Jessie) Connelly, RaGeana (Michael) Davidson, Jesse Brown, Hunter Zandarski, and Frankie Hassler; twelve great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will always remember his booming laugh and larger-than-life personality.
Per his wishes and in lieu of a formal service, a Farm Party will be held on August 9 at 5 p.m. at their property at 1032 190th St. in State Center, Iowa. We’ll share stories and laughs to commemorate a life well-lived just as he would have wanted.
The family is grateful for the care he received from the State Center Fire & EMS and request any memorial contributions be directed to State Center Fire & EMS.
Rest easy, Papa – you were loved and will forever be in our hearts
