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LaVal Larsen Obituary
Ankeny
We announce the death of LaVal (Val) James Larsen on August 25, 2012.
Born on December 15, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, Val graduated from Lincoln High School in 1971. He lived in Des Moines, Kansas City, Polk City, and Ankeny.
Val lived life to the fullest, whole-heartedly following his motto: Never, ever, give up. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and a role model for many. He filled his life with service, hard work, love and laughter. An avid waterfowl hunter - greenhead mallards across the flyway are resting easy with news of his passing.
Val is survived by wife, Paula; son, Drake and wife, Sarah; daughter, Teal and husband, Donovan Gruebele; son, Woodie; father, LaVerne; mother-in-law, Maxine Trabing; and siblings, Londa (Fuller) and Lee.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 29 at 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 3820 S.W. 9th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. There will be a Celebration of Life held September 8, at the Ames Izaak Walton League Chapterhouse starting at 3 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LaVal Larsen
Karl Heth
August 22, 2020
Val was such a likable guy and fun to work with. I remember his passion for duck hunting and was a bit jealous because I never had a passion for anything like he did for hunting! I also remember the first time he saw Paula! She was a new girl, from Ankeny, working in accounting at Central Tractor. She came over to purchasing for something and......he was smitten! I also witnessed their first kiss! It was Christmas time and someone had hung mistletoe in the doorway between accounting and purchasing. He caught her there and planted a big one on her! The gossip spread like wildfire , but he could care less!! I still tell the story of him naming his kids after ducks!!! Always get a chuckle. I feel a loss when I think of him, but I'm grateful to have known him.
Kori, Kevin Thomasson
September 2, 2012
As I look back on my time with DU, Val was always a face I looked forward to seeing. I know he loved his DU buddies and loved his family even more. I'm so sad that his time has come but I know our memories of him will always stay with my family and I. Rest in peace to a great man.
Dave & Dee Haggard
August 30, 2012
Dear Paula, Drake, Woody, and Teal - The loss of Val is heartfelt by many but nothing close to the loss I know you are feeling. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Missy Palm (Benson)
August 30, 2012
Drake, Paula, Teal & Woodie,
I am very sorry for your loss. Val was a wonderful person who would help anyone and always had some good stories to share. Now he will always have the best view where the birds are. Take Care
Nancy Grudens Schuck
August 29, 2012
Drake and Sarah, a long hard loss! Your ISU colleagues have been thinking of you and your family with compassion. Kindly, Nancy GS
Scott & Rene Locker
August 29, 2012
Paula and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He certainly fought a hard and long battle.
Chelsea and Jeffery Hargrove
August 29, 2012
Val was definitely a fighter! We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!! Love you guys!
August 29, 2012
Teal and Family,
"What a cool guy" was my first impression of Val when I met him years ago. I too have a wonderful memory of Teal and Val dancing together at her wedding, what a beautiful moment! I didn't have to know Val well to know he was a great man because he has such great family.
My thoughts are with you all through this hard time.
Rest in peace, Val.
Holly (and Kyle) Gragert
Jason Secaur
August 29, 2012
Paula and family,
I am proud to of known Val and he was responsible for several firsts in my life. First time hunting in a duck boat, first time seeing Mojo decoys (in someone else's spread :-)) and my first time learning what dialysis was. What a great guy who made great memories for so many. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
August 28, 2012
Paula, So sorry to hear. Joan and Val were great bud's at CT and after. Prayers to your family. delmar & Joan Nelson, Deadwood SD
Rusty Strable
August 28, 2012
So sorry to hear have Val's passing. He was truly a great guy. I can remember him and Chris talking about what medications they where taking and how they where affecting them. They both had the same attitude, "Never give Up". My thoughts and Prayers are with your family.
Marcia and Bill Schulz
August 28, 2012
Val certainly never gave up! His spirit to keep on going in the hardest of times is unequaled. Prayers to you all for comfort and peace knowing Val is whole again.
Curly Brand
August 28, 2012
I would like to extend my Deepest Sympathy to Val's wife and family. Val was a very dedicated DU volunteer and hard worker. It was a privelege to have known him and shared time with him.
August 28, 2012
Sorry to hear of Val's passing. Ducks Unlimited has lost a great friend and volunteer.
Frank Mertz--State chairman, Iowa DU
August 28, 2012
Teal and family,
I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. May you be finding some peace knowing that he is home. Val was always so caring especially, with little ones like my son, Kael. They shared some fruit at the breakfast bar the last time we saw Val and Kael called him 'Grandpa.' My mind is full of wonderful memories Teal has shared with me, like "Fern Gully" and days at the old homestead. I will always remember Teal and Val dancing at her wedding to "christopher robin" and how he sang along to the whole song. He was so proud that day! You will always have these great memories...and also his great collection of ducks!! His spirit is flying high with the birds at last. Rest in peace Val.
~ Hilary Sawyers
Eric & Kristin Lindstrom
August 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Larsen family. I was fortunate to spend several days in the goose spread with Val, his son, Drake, and his hunting buddy, Chuck, over the past few years. He was great man, avid waterfowler and dedicated conservationist.
May the loving memories of many inspiring sunrises and great hunts shared together be forever cherished.
Brandi Russell-Daniels
August 28, 2012
So sorry to hear of Val's passing. He was a great guy and will be remembered by many. He is hunting ducks up above! Keeping you all in our thoughts. XOXO
Lance Noe
August 28, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss. I worked with Val at CT and he was fun, caring, talented, smart, devoted to family and friends, and a super person to be around. Our prayers for family...
Carol Wilkinson
August 28, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Val's passing. He will be greatly missed
Connie Capehart
August 28, 2012
Paula and family, I am sorry to hear of Laval's passing. Working with him at CT farm and family center was a pleasure. He was the nicest person and he will be missed by all who knew him. May God help your family through this difficult time.
August 27, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. We thought alot of Val and so admired his positive outlook! What a guy....Love, Ray and Janice Chandler
Karl Heth
August 27, 2012
Paula and family. So soory for your loss. I sure enjoyed working with Val years ago at Central Tractor. It's hard to believe just how long ago that was! I can't think of anyone who enjoyed life more than He. I will remeber him that way and I'm grateful to have know him.
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