Steve Larson

Steve Larson, 73, of Iowa City passed away June 9, 2023 at home where he was comforted by his loving family. The diagnosis of Stage IV Esophageal cancer led him to volunteer for several clinical trials and assist in the knowledge of treating solid tumor cancers.
To celebrate Steve's life, a gathering for friends and family will be held Wednesday June 14, 2023 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at The Kirkwood Room. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank.
Steven was born on November 29, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Clifton and Marlene (Carter) Larson. Clif and Marlene returned to Iowa and the family grocery business, primarily in Ames Iowa. Politics became a central force in their family. Steve would recall visiting the State Fair, but instead of midway rides, he was drafted into political service by placing campaign flyers under car wipers. With community and political involvement, the family moved to Washington DC during the 60s, but Ames Iowa was always home base. Ames is where Steve began golfing at age ten, made lifelong friends, and graduated from Ames High School in 1968. Washington DC brought cultural phenomena such as going to the Howard Theater to see Marvin Gaye, and working the carousel at the Smithsonian Institute.
Marlene and Clif opened Dugan's Deli with Steve's help, in 1972 at 2910 West Street, Ames in the location where Larson's West Street Grocery had operated. Several family members contributed to the management and artistic outlets provided by Dugan's over the years. On June 21, 1980 he married Karyl McClelland. Steven earned his Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State University in 1991, and then moved to Iowa City to earn a Masters of Fine Arts in Sculpture under Julius Schmidt. While a student, Steve was hired at UIHC Creative Services where he continued 25 years of service and eventually managed the department.
Steve was an avid golfer, participating in several golf leagues. He supported art in many forms and enjoyed collecting art. Tours of artist studios became an annual pilgrimage for Karyl and Steve. He was especially happy to visit the Giacometti exhibit at Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City just three weeks ago.
He is survived by his wife Karyl Larson of Iowa City, IA; three sons Matthew Larson of Ames, IA, Andrew Larson of Denver, CO, and Robert Larson (Alissa Witzke) of Iowa City, IA; five sisters Cynthia Richard (Charles) of London, England, Barbie Shryack (John) of Independence, MO, Julie Keller (Jeff) of Rochester, MN, Shaina Rich (James) of Iowa City, IA, and Nicole Huston (Eric) of Iowa City, IA; and two grandsons Zachary & Zayden.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Larson.