Charles W. Larson, Sr.

Charles W. Larson, Sr. of West Des Moines, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 3, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 30, 1935, in Princeton, Illinois, to the parents of Carl B. and Alice (Getz) Larson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ellen T. Larson and two children, Charles W. Larson Jr. (Jennifer) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Carrie Larson Graham (Andrew) of Flower Mound, Texas. He has four beautiful grandchildren, William and John-Henry Larson and Jack and Elizabeth Graham.

Chuck was a loving husband, a role model and mentor for his children and an amazing grandfather. He loved the Lord and embodied a deep sense of selfless service.

In addition to his love of family, he was honored to serve his country in various positions for more than 30 years. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and reappointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa from 1986 to 1993. In 2001, President George W. Bush reappointed Chuck to the U.S. Attorney position until his retirement in 2006.

In 1993, Chuck served as a member of Governor Branstad’s Cabinet as the director of the Governor’s Alliance on Substance Abuse where he developed and coordinated statewide anti-drug programs.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad appointed Chuck as a member to the Iowa’s Board of Parole in 1982 and Board chairman from 1995 to 2001. In 2001 Iowa Governor Thomas Vilsack reappointed Chuck a fulltime board member.

Chuck has notable international experience, having worked with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop the organizational structure to launch the Saudi Highway Patrol from 1979 until 1982. In 2004, he took leave from his U.S. Attorney’s position, to serve as Senior Justice Advisor to the US Ambassador to Iraq, at the United States Embassy in Baghdad.

Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves for 33 years, retiring as Colonel. He was a graduate of the United States Army War College and the Unites States Army Command and General Staff College. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit Award for exceptionally meritorious service.

He earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University.

A private service with military honors will be held on Friday, November 11th in Princeton, Illinois. Memorials have been established with Lutheran Church of Hope at 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.