Tom Larson

Funeral Services for Tom Larson, age 98 of Bedford who died Saturday, May 5, 2007 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Conway Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Taylor County Museum or Hospice of Central Iowa.

Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Thomas Clyde Larson was born March 2, 1909, east of Conway, Taylor County, Iowa, the son of Lewis Larson and Nora (Anderson) Larson. He passed away May 5, 2007, at the age of 98.

Growing up, he attended the local rural school and graduated from Conway High School with the Class of 1927. He then attended Iowa State University obtaining an Associate Degree in Animal Husbandry. After college, Tom returned to Taylor County to begin his career in farming. A progressive steward of the land, he readily adopted new techniques such as terracing and tiling which were not common at the time.

On July 28, 1933, he was united in marriage to Althea King in Des Moines, Iowa. To this union four children were born, a son and three daughters. After fifty-five years of marriage, Althea passed away June 26, 1988. On November 12, 1992, he married Irma Thummel, at which time he left the farm and the couple resided in Bedford.

A devoted servant to his community, there are particular contributions of note. As County Supervisor in the 40's and early 50's, he was instrumental in ensuring that the rural roads were graded and graveled. He served as chairman of the County Board of Education during the years of school consolidation, allowing the smaller districts the choice of unification.

As State Senator, his vote was one of a few that crossed party lines which resulted in the passage of the Iowa Public Employees Retirement Systems (IPERS). Tom was a man of his convictions. He did what he believed to be right as opposed to what was popular. A lifelong resident of Taylor County, Tom became a charter member of the Taylor County Historical Society.

Tom was a well-read man, keeping up on all current events, sports and politics, with a special interest in history. Tom and Althea traveled throughout the world. He continued traveling after Althea's death, meeting his second wife, Irma, on a cruise. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, first in Blockton, later in Bedford. A loving son, brother, husband, and father, he was a very giving and kind man; a good neighbor and friend.

Left to cherish Tom's memory are his two daughters, Marilyn Frueh and husband Gary of Katy, Texas; and Martha Hern and husband Larry of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his loving wife Irma Larson of Bedford; a step-son, Keane Thummel and wife Susan of Clarinda; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and a community of friends.

Preceding Tom in death are his parents, Lewis and Nora Larson; his first wife Althea Larson; a son at infancy; a daughter and son-in-law, Myla and Kenneth Ackley; two brothers, James and Leroy Larson; and two sisters, Marie Lubkeman and Verlea Hinshaw.