With great sorrow the family of Russell William Larson announces his sudden and unexpected passing at age 54, on September 28, 2015. He was born on April 9, 1961 in Corydon, Iowa to Gertrude (Holst) and Stanley Larson of rural Wayne County. He was raised on the family farm in Wayne County, was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at First Lutheran Church in Chariton, and graduated from Russell High School in 1979, as class salutatorian.
Three months following his high school graduation he enlisted in the Army and made it his career, retiring after 34 years of service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree while in the Army. Russell saw duty in several locations within the United States as well as abroad in Kosovo, Germany, Bosnia, Kuwait and Korea.
It was during one of his many assignments to Korea that he met his wife, Song Pok Im (Pok). They were united in marriage on March 28, 1983 in two ceremonies – one in the Korean culture and one in the American culture, followed by a reception in Iowa in July. Russell liked the area of Korea as was evident with his many choices of duty there. Following his retirement, he chose to remain in Korea and was employed by Calabre as a senior analyst working as a civilian at Camp Henry, a nearby Army base. His area of expertise was in logistics. It was his wish that his remains be interred in Korea.
Russell enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He was a computer whiz; a man of few words - his quiet demeanor was always evident, but he did enjoy a funny joke/comic/story! For most of his life he was a world away from Iowa, but he kept track of the Hawkeyes and all their sporting endeavors! He had a strong Christian faith.
Russell is survived by his wife, Pok of Osan, South Korea and numerous Korean in-laws. Also three sisters, Sarah (Clifford) Kitzman, of Beaman, Linda (Dennis) Senecaut, of Altoona, and Lorraine (Richard) Forkner, of Des Moines, and one brother, Verne of Monument, CO. Also a niece, Shannon (Shaine) Yates; three nephews, Brett (Leslee) Kitzman, Scott (Tara) Kitzman, Josiah (Shana) Larson; two great nieces, Giselle and Gwyndalin; six great nephews, Lucas, Cassady, Symon, Sammy, Sebastian and Everett; extended family, friends and co-workers.
He was preceded in death by one brother Harold, his parents, mother and father-in-law, grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Russell’s family would like to thank all those who worked on our behalf to bring us answers; especially Laura with Calibre (Russell’s employer) and Chaplain Simon at Camp Henry in South Korea.
Rest in peace, Russell, you will be greatly missed.
A memorial service was held prior to cremation at Camp Henry in Korea on October 1, 2015. No services will be held in Iowa at this time; memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in his name.
A memorial service was held prior to cremation at Camp Henry in Korea on October 1, 2015. Military honors will be held on November 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery at Adel, IA.
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