Posted on August 8, 2013 at 11:44 PM by Global Reach
Much credit is given to Gary Larson for helping establish the 4-H Shooting Sports club in Plymouth County in 2008. While Gary himself was not a 4-H member as a youth, he embraced the goals of the Iowa 4-H program and shared his love of the outdoors through the various disciplines of the shooting sports program. Gary was gifted in his ability to work with youth as they learned technical skills, respect, following rules and safety. In his role as a caring adult, he encouraged young people to set goals and achieve them, sometimes excelling beyond what they thought they could accomplish. Gary was so proud of the young people in shooting sports and delighted in their smallest achievements. He could envision for young people, things they couldn’t see in themselves. Gary was very proud to be an Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer.
Gary was born and lived his entire life on a family farm in Plymouth County, except when he served his country in the United States Army in 1969-1970. Gary developed diabetes while in signal school training and was given an honorable medical discharge. He attended country school in Fredonia Township, graduated from Le Mars Central High School and Westmar College in Le Mars with a double major in History and Industrial Arts.
Gary’s ambition was to be a farmer and he took pride in following practices that would not harm the environment. Gary treasured the years he farmed with his father and uncles. He loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting and had a great appreciation for nature. He was proud to be an NRA member. Gary was recognized for his woodworking skills and produced many fine pieces of furniture and accessories - many of which he gave to others.
Gary married for the first time in 2001 to Joy Roberts. Gary would tell people that when he got married he not only became a husband, but a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. He made this transition so well and was so loved from the beginning by all of his new family. Gary and Joy shared many of the same interests including hiking, the farm, and the animals on the farm. They met at the Le Mars Bible Church where they attended the same Bible studies and; after they were married, he led many Bible studies.
Gary went home to be with the Lord much too early at the age of 65. He developed AML, which took his life. His life has impacted many young people in his community including 4-H members. Those that knew Gary well knew how much he cared about kids, even though he did not have any of his own. He enjoyed immensely his nephew, nieces and step-children and step-grandchildren. During his illness, he never gave up on his mission to help others, particularly children. He would ask his wife to call 4-H parents to encourage them to attend a shooting sports event.
Those that knew Gary Larson had a wonderful, honest friend and a man who loved his Lord, his country, and his family. He was a kind and gentle person who is very much missed.
Categories: Plymouth
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