Matt Larson Obituary
Visit the Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service - Iowa City website to view the full obituary.
Matt Larson, 50, of Coralville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.
Matt was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 5, 1975 and grew up in Bondurant, Iowa. He graduated from Bondurant-Farrar High School in 1993 and went on to attend the University of Iowa. Over the years, he enjoyed meaningful careers with Marcus Theatres and, most recently, at the University of Iowa, where he valued the relationships and experiences he gained.
In June 2008, Matt married the love of his life, Katie Critchlow. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two children, Alaina (15) and Brenna (13). Matt loved his family with all his heart and took great joy in being a devoted husband and father.
Matt's interests reflected his curiosity, humor, and competitive spirit. He was involved in Quiz Bowl at the University of Iowa, loved gaming with his friends, and was a passionate sports fan-especially of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also proudly cheered for the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Cubs. Matt had a special love for St. Patrick's Day and Irish music, and he cherished attending parades, Wylde Nept shows, and Irish music festivals with friends and family. He had a lifelong fascination with all aspects of the Civil War, finding meaning in its history, stories, and lessons that he loved to share with others.
Matt is survived by his wife Katie Critchlow Larson, and his children, Alaina Larson & Brenna Larson of Coralville, IA; his parents, Harriet and Wade Travis of Pleasant Hill, IA, and Fred and Mary Jo Larson of Anchorage, AK; his mother-in-law, Jean Critchlow of Cedar Rapids, IA; his brother, Will (Amy) Larson of Altoona, IA; his sister-in-law, Tara (Mark) Tully of Iowa City, IA; and sisters Laurie (Matthew) Griffis of Johnston, IA and Jenny (Todd) Redlin of Des Moines, IA. He is also fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were important parts of his life.
He will be remembered for his warmth, passion, loyalty, quick wit, sense of humor, historical knowledge, and the deep love he carried for his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Elks Club, 637 Foster Rd, Iowa City, IA. Friends and family are invited to come together, share memories, and offer support. We encourage everyone to wear an Iowa Hawkeyes shirt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed toward the Larson Family in care of Katie Larson.
Online condolences and memories may be shared on Matt's Tribute Wall.
Matt was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 5, 1975 and grew up in Bondurant, Iowa. He graduated from Bondurant-Farrar High School in 1993 and went on to attend the University of Iowa. Over the years, he enjoyed meaningful careers with Marcus Theatres and, most recently, at the University of Iowa, where he valued the relationships and experiences he gained.
In June 2008, Matt married the love of his life, Katie Critchlow. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two children, Alaina (15) and Brenna (13). Matt loved his family with all his heart and took great joy in being a devoted husband and father.
Matt's interests reflected his curiosity, humor, and competitive spirit. He was involved in Quiz Bowl at the University of Iowa, loved gaming with his friends, and was a passionate sports fan-especially of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also proudly cheered for the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Cubs. Matt had a special love for St. Patrick's Day and Irish music, and he cherished attending parades, Wylde Nept shows, and Irish music festivals with friends and family. He had a lifelong fascination with all aspects of the Civil War, finding meaning in its history, stories, and lessons that he loved to share with others.
Matt is survived by his wife Katie Critchlow Larson, and his children, Alaina Larson & Brenna Larson of Coralville, IA; his parents, Harriet and Wade Travis of Pleasant Hill, IA, and Fred and Mary Jo Larson of Anchorage, AK; his mother-in-law, Jean Critchlow of Cedar Rapids, IA; his brother, Will (Amy) Larson of Altoona, IA; his sister-in-law, Tara (Mark) Tully of Iowa City, IA; and sisters Laurie (Matthew) Griffis of Johnston, IA and Jenny (Todd) Redlin of Des Moines, IA. He is also fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were important parts of his life.
He will be remembered for his warmth, passion, loyalty, quick wit, sense of humor, historical knowledge, and the deep love he carried for his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Elks Club, 637 Foster Rd, Iowa City, IA. Friends and family are invited to come together, share memories, and offer support. We encourage everyone to wear an Iowa Hawkeyes shirt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed toward the Larson Family in care of Katie Larson.
Online condolences and memories may be shared on Matt's Tribute Wall.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service - Iowa City
605 Kirkwood Avenue P.O. Box 167, Iowa City, IA 52240
People and places connected with Matt
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Matt Larson
Make a Donation
in Matt Larson's name
How to support Matt's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Matt Larson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored