Ronald Dean "Rabbit" Larson

Ronald Dean Larson, age 84, of Ames, Iowa, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2026, at home with his family by his side.

Funeral services for Ron Larson will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Avenue, in Ames, with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM.

Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Ames Municipal Cemetery, in Ames, Iowa.

Follow this link to livestream Ron's funeral service: https://vimeo.com/event/998800/b1cc9c0a1a

To watch Ron's life tribute video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/ZLLGF9H63Z664STF

Ronald was born to James John Larson and Theresa Ihle on November 21, 1941, on the family farm outside of Madrid, Iowa. The family later relocated North of Ames, where Ron graduated from Ames High School in 1960.

Ron Married the love of his life, Marla K. Peterson, on August 26, 1962, and the young family made Ames their home. Ron and Marla were blessed with three children, Kevin, Lonnie and Kristin.

Ron started his career working with his brothers at Larson Brothers Trucking, later starting his own business, Ron's Trucking Service, and then owned Ron's Motor homes. Ron's love for trucking then brought him to Iowa Road Builders, which was later purchased by Manatt's. Ron worked for Manatt's for 30 + years, retiring in 2017. Ron was known in the trucking community as "Rabbit."

Ron treasured his time with family, enjoyed road trips including camping in Palm Springs, visiting family and friends and attending many athletic events, including cheerleading, tumbling, basketball, softball, volleyball and track meets. Ron was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his children Kevin (Rhonda), Lonnie (Amy), and Kristin (Ryan) Graden. Grandchildren, Rylee (Kaedon) Anderson, Brenlie (Jonah) Vos, Taydem Graden, Paysen Graden, Kelsie (James) Fagerlind and Brittney Larson.

Great Grandchildren Jaxson Myers, Draven Nelson, Erik Bugh, Hazel Fagerlind, Oliver Fagerlind and baby Anderson, along with step-grandchildren, Desirae, Mark, Levi, Trevor and step great-grandchildren, Delilah, Elyjah, Raiden and Liliam.

Siblings Paul (Jane), Wayne (MaryJo), Keith, Karen, along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great-nieces and nephews. Also by many family and friends who knew and loved him.

Ron was preceded in death by parents, James and Theresa Larson, his beloved wife of 60+ years Marla, brothers Dave, Harlan, Harvey and sisters Joyce and Jan.