Jeffrey Larson

 Jeffrey Aljie Larson, 74, of Sioux Falls, passed away on September 19, 2025, under the compassionate care of the Dougherty Hospice House.  

Jeff was born October 1, 1950, to loving parents Aljie (Bud) Larson and Thelma Fevold Larson in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  He grew up in Humboldt, Iowa, and was part of the great Baby Boom on Rainbow Drive. While attending Humboldt High School, he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. His class of 1969 earned conference championships in football and basketball with Jeff earning the Des Moines Register’s 2nd All-State team in football. As a halfback, he rushed 950 yards in eight games- 278 yards in one game. 

He and his high school sweetheart, Julie Ver Steeg, attended Iowa State University, marrying in 1971. While at ISU, Jeff played safety for the freshman team and earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. He then attended Sam Houston State University earning a Masters Degree in Criminology and Corrections.  

Jeff’s first professional experience was at the Fort Des Moines Men’s Residential Facility as a counselor and then as a probation officer. He moved to Council Bluffs where he was assistant director of a men’s residential facility. In 1979 Jeff took the director’s position of a new men’s residential facility in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He became Division Manager of the second judicial district of the state of Iowa. He oversaw the development and management of four residential facilities in Fort Dodge, Mason City, Marshalltown, and Ames. In his work, Jeff was known for his ability to see the human side of any situation and for being a leader with integrity, compassion, and wisdom. He served as president of the Iowa Corrections Association in 1985-86, and received its outstanding member award in 1999.

Jeff and Julie were blessed with two daughters, Rachael and Sigrid. They raised the girls in Fort Dodge and lived there for 36 years. Aside from being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jeff had a lifelong passion for golf and rarely turned down an opportunity to play, forming wonderful friendships through the game. He served on committees at First United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge, including as president of the administrative council. He remained a devoted fan of the Iowa State Cyclones, attending countless football and basketball games over many decades. Simple things that brought Jeff joy included tart Haralson apples, a good book, a slice of pie, a trip to the movie theater, a visit around the table with his family, a cozy night at home with a roaring fire in his woodturning stove, and Seinfeld or a ball game on the television.  

After taking early retirement with Julie, they traveled to see their girls and grandkids, took a month-long trip to Europe, and explored many of our country’s national parks. In 2013 the couple moved to Sioux Falls to enjoy the growing up years and activities of their grandchildren. Jeff and Julie enjoyed 54 years of marriage. 

Jeff is survived by wife Julie; daughters Rachael (Lance) Meyerink of Sioux Falls and Sigrid (Dirk) Ruge who have recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to Sioux Falls; grandchildren Fisher, Claire, and Holland Meyerink and Oto Ruge; brother Doug (Pat) Larson of Minnetonka, MN, and sister Diane (Rock) Greene of Humboldt, Iowa; sisters-in-law Dee Larson of Des Moines and Eddie Lee Formanek of Story City, Iowa; brothers-in-law Kyle Ver Steeg of Fort Dodge, and Dirk (Adele) Ver Steeg of Earlham, Iowa. He also is survived by many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.  

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents and brother John Larson. 

Jeff’s family wishes to express our appreciation to the staff of Active Generations Daybreak program, Trail Ridge memory care, and Dougherty Hospice House.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Active Generations Daybreak Program or your local caregiver support non-profit.  

A Celebration of Life will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Family will be present for visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.