David Larson

1952 - 2025

David D. Larson, 73, of Idaho Falls, ID passed away peacefully at his home on September 7, 2025, after a valiant, hard-fought battle with stomach cancer. He was under the care of his loving family and Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

David was born on June 20, 1952, in Rigby, Idaho, to Barbara and Virgil Larson. He was the fourth of 12 children. David attended schools in Rexburg, Rigby, and Idaho Falls. He graduated from Bonneville High School in 1970.

Shortly after high school, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After faithfully serving his country, he received an Honorable Discharge.

Following Dave's military service, he enrolled at Eastern Idaho Vocational Technical School, where he received an Associate of Applied Science, Nuclear Technology, in 1975. Later that year, he accepted a position in Radiological Controls at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Dave was stationed at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, where he worked for the next 40 years. After several years working as an HP Technician, Dave was given the opportunity to move into the Industrial Safety organization as a Safety Engineer. Dave was considered an expert in his field and was very highly regarded by his peers.

Dave married Tamara "Tammy" Birch Larson on March 3, 1978. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Jeri Benson and Scott Larson. Dave was a wonderful, supportive, and loving husband and father to his wife and children.

While working full time, Dave attended night school to pursue a bachelor's degree. In 1998, he graduated from the University of Idaho, with a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Technology. This was a major accomplishment for Dave and his family, one in which he worked very hard to achieve. Dave instilled the importance of education in his children, with both of them earning advanced degrees in their fields. Dave is so very proud of his children and their accomplishments.

In September, 2001, Dave was one of four engineers selected by Bechtel to represent the INL during the World Trade Center recovery and cleanup effort. Dave served as a Safety Supervisor at Ground Zero. He was very proud and honored to have served the country during the solemn aftermath of this tragic event. Although modest and soft-spoken when asked about his experiences there, his contributions were evident. In November 2001, Dave and the other three engineers were presented with the Spirit of Idaho award from United States Senator Mike Crapo, in recognition of continuing and lasting service to the United States of America in the wake of September 11, 2001.

Dave was always a hard worker, even as a young boy. He worked in various settings during his childhood and early adulthood to assist his large family in any way he could. The word "hero" was a common term used by many family members and friends to describe Dave.

In addition to the work ethic he demonstrated, Dave knew the importance of having a good time. Dave loved anything outdoors. He loved to go camping, was an avid hunter, a seasoned dirt bike rider, and an overall badass. He spent a lot of time with his brothers and father in the outdoors and later on, with his own family camping at Meadow Lake, Palisades, and various other locations in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Dave spent countless enjoyable hours with his good friends on many camping trips, house boating on Lake Powell, Friday night pizza, dinners out, and get togethers at home. These were long-lasting friendships that meant the world to Dave.

His grandchildren were six of the biggest joys in his life. Their welfare was of utmost importance to him. Never was he so excited as when he was going to visit them or when they were coming to visit him. Dave was the ultimate Grandpa, reading books, playing with dolls, trucks, playing on the swings, going to Lagoon, the zoo, and many other enjoyable outings. There was nothing Grandpa wouldn't do to entertain them and make them happy. Grandpa attended his grandchildren's musical performances, sporting events, and heartily cheered them on through all of their endeavors. Grandpa was in it 100%. He loved them all with all his heart and soul. The feeling was mutual.

Dave could be as tough as nails, but as gentle as a teddy bear. He was a selfless, loving man, who always prioritized his loved ones' needs above his own. Dave will be immeasurably missed. Memories of his love, wisdom, and strength will remain with us until we meet again.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Tammy Larson, his two children: daughter, Jeri Lyn (Brady) Benson, Brigham City, UT, son, Scott David Larson, Idaho Falls, ID, and his six beautiful grandchildren: Emily Benson, Amanda Benson, Britnee Benson, Carlie Benson, Joseph Benson, and Hyrum Benson, all of Brigham City, UT. He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia Burns, Rigby, ID, Virginia Fields, Greeley, CO, Karen Curry, Rigby, ID, Marilyn Eichler, Deary, ID, Douglas Larson, Rigby, ID, Gary Larson, Idaho Falls, ID, Janine (Warren) Mortensen, Idaho Falls, ID, Anette Larson, Idaho Falls, ID, Craig (Lori) Larson, Richland, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, a brother, Thomas Larson, a sister, Beverly Britton, his mother- and father-in-law, Wanda and Ross Birch, and two nephews.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, with our most special thanks to Patricia, for her expert guidance and loving care of Dave during his illness.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Military honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Marine Corps Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.