Dr. Doug Larson

Dr. Doug Larson, age 71, of Storm Lake, Iowa passed away Friday, February 26, 2010 at his home in Storm Lake. Douglas J. Larson was born June 8, 1938 in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Gerald and Eleanor (Patterson) Larson. Growing up, Doug enjoyed his childhood in Harlan with his parents and two brothers, Craig and Jerry. Doug attended Harlan High School where he graduated in 1956. Following graduation, he attended the University of Iowa School of Dentistry where he earned a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery on June 7, 1963. Upon graduation from Dentistry, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force in the dental corps on August 15, 1963 where he served two years of active duty at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota, until he was honorably discharged on August 14, 1965. In 1965, he started his practice of dentistry in Storm Lake, Iowa where he was a well-known dentist for 41 years, until he retired on June 30, 2006. Dougâ€™s first marriage was to Constance Bell and together they were blessed with two children, Scott and Wendy. After being a loving and devoted single father for many years, Doug was united in marriage on July 8, 1988 to Joann Flohr Brecher of Storm Lake. Together Doug and Joann shared the love of gardening, traveling, SERPACI excursions and picnics at home with family and friends. Doug loved being out on the lake and pulling the grandkids behind the pontoon was a highlight of his summers. Doug was a member of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake where he served as both an Elder and a Deacon. He was a Rotarian, Jaycee and a member of the Elks Lodge. Doug served on the foundation board at Faith, Hope and Charity and also on the Gingerbread House board. Classic cars were one of Dougâ€™s favorite pastimes, especially his 1963 Chevy SS which he purchased after graduating from dental school. He had it restored, won a few trophies with it and enjoyed driving it on SERPACI outings. Doug served twice as the president of SERPACI, the classic car club. Another hobby Doug enjoyed was gardening. His specialty was his tomatoes which he grew from seeds every year. Hybrids the â€œJulietâ€ and the â€œWhopperâ€ were a hit every year with many people. He was very generous when giving away many of the plants that he tenderly cared for under grow lights and cold frames. Doug being a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan could be found at the games or close to the television on game days. Doug will always be remembered as a very kind and gentle husband, father and dentist. His caring ways and chair side manner never saying an unkind word were known by all and will be deeply missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joann of Storm Lake, Iowa; his children: Scott Larson of Carroll, Iowa; Wendy Larson of Schaller, Iowa; grandson, Ryan Arthur; step-children: Terri Gaffney of Anthem, Arizona; Peter Brecher of West Des Moines, Iowa; step-grandchildren, Todd and Caneel Gaffney; brother, Justice Jerry (Debra) Larson of Harlan, Iowa; sister-in-law, Carolyn Larson of Idaho; mother-in-law, Donna Flohr of Storm Lake, Iowa; brother-in-law, BG Steven Flohr (Sally) of Marshall, Texas; sister-in-law, Wretha Flohr Bosma of Mason City, Iowa; many wonderful nieces; nephews; cousins; and other extended family members and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Eleanor (Patterson) Larson; and his brother, Craig Larson, DVM. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund has been established.

Dr. Doug Larson

June 8, 1938 - February 26, 2010