Mike Larson

Funeral services for Mike Larson, 83, of Knoxville, will be Friday, March 7, 2025, at
10:00 a.m. at the Knoxville First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at the
Graceland Cemetery. Following the service a luncheon will be held at the church for a
time of fellowship.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Pierschbacher's
Funeral Home 309 W. Main St Knoxville (new location).  Memorials may be made in
care of Mike's family and will be designated towards his passion and involvement in
Knoxville's youth activities.
Michael Porter Larson was born on November 17, 1941, in Buffalo, New York, son to
William and Marjorie (Porter) Larson. When Mike was a young age, his family relocated
to Knoxville, Iowa. He attended Nora Sullivan Elementary School and graduated from
Knoxville High School in 1960. During his time in school he participated in sports,
playing basketball and other sports. During his senior year the basketball team played
Marshalltown in their last game of the season. They ended up losing that game and
Marshalltown ended up winning the state title. At that time all schools were in one class.
After graduating, Mike attended Webster City Junior College and played basketball
while there. Mike was also a baseball referee and worked with the same officiating crew
for many years. He loved baseball and coaching Little League. He was able to coach
his own sons and continued coaching for many years and was always contributing to
the game.
Skipping back to school, yes, Mike was great at sports, but a special girl caught his eye
early on. Dating throughout high school, Mike and Dorothy Caulkins were married on
April 1, 1961. I guess Mike and Dorothy have always had a great sense of humor! They
have had a great relationship and have been blessed with a great family, great friends,
and a great community. Family was his greatest love and especially enjoyed time with
his grandchildren.
Mike eventually went to work for the VA in Knoxville and worked as a Safety Officer until
his retirement. In addition to sports and Yankees Baseball, he loved working in his
garden and sharing the fruits of his labors with his neighbors and friends.
Mike passed away March 3, 2025. Preceding him in death were his parents: William
and Marjorie (Porter) Larson; grandsons: Chase and Caleb; daughter-in-law, Dameon
Larson; and brother, William Larson.
Mike will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; sons: Jeff Larson and
Bryan Larson; grandchildren: Ashley (Alec) Kline, Alex (Luke Moore) Larson, Marley
Larson, and Drake Larson; three great grandchildren: Olivia, Paislee, and Ayda; sisters:
Mary Thornburgh of Dumont, Iowa, and Diane DeWitt of Coralville, Iowa; along with
many relatives and friends.