Cecil E. Larson

Cecil E. Larson, 77, of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at a Sioux City hospital.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Cecil was born on Nov. 23, 1938, in Garner, Iowa. He was the oldest of five boys born to Elmer and Marjorie (Bachman) Larson. Cecil graduated from Ventura High School, where he played football. After high school, he attended Mason City Junior College, then transferred to Morningside College to finish his degree.
He was united in marriage to Karen Arneson on April 2, 1960 in Sioux City. Cecil graduated from Morningside on a Sunday and became a Morningside College employee the next day. Little did he know, this was the beginning of a 36 year career. He began as comptroller of the college, later promoted to vice president of Business, retiring in 1996.
Cecil was an avid sports fan, but loyal to his Denver Broncos and Chicago Cubs. In addition to his passion for sports, he loved playing bridge, which he did almost daily and was rewarded by being selected as his group's treasure. He enjoyed fishing, especially at their home in Estes Park, traveling, most recently their Alaskan cruise, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Cecil was very handy and loved getting new tools to use to repair things around their home. During the NAIA Basketball Tournament, Cecil was an honorary coach and enjoyed the games from his team bench view. On Friday nights, Cecil could always be found at Bob Roes.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 56 years, Karen, Sioux City; children, Kim (Jim) Compton of Sioux City, Sheri (Kelly) Almond of Dallas, Ga., and Curt Larson of Sioux City; grandkids, Chris (Nicole) Compton, Andy (financee, Kasie) Compton, Kaitlyn Schultz, Adam (Bryn) Schultz, Kenny and Kelly Almond, Emily (Nick) Boggs, and Abby (Cole) Forbey; great-grandkids, Austyn, Hayden, Isabella and Grabriella; brothers, Gerald (Ann) Larson of Benton, Ark., and Wayne (Sally) Larson of Seattle, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Keith and John Larson; sister-in-law, Marianne Guthals; and brother-in-law, Les Arneson.
Memorials may be made to the senior center.