David Allen Larson

He was born on February 12, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois, to the late David and Dorothy (Goodloe) Larson. Dave married Martha (Scheuermann) Larson on June 28, 1964, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington, Illinois. She survives along with their two daughters, Michelle (Robert) Cockrell of Dunlap, Illinois, and Stephanie (Laurence) Bonday of Mooresville, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Klara (fiancée Joseph Hunter) Cockrell and Kaylie Cockrell; a brother-in-law, Edward Carlson; and several other in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Betty Hellwig, Elaine Carlson, and Sandy Larson; his nephew, Kurt Hellwig; and several other in-laws.

His family moved to Des Plaines, Illinois, where he attended school through eighth grade. The family later settled in Washington, Illinois, where Dave graduated from Washington High School in 1954. He went on to attend Bradley University.

Dave began his career at Great Central Insurance Company and later worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company before joining Caterpillar, where he spent 24 years until his retirement in 1998. Following retirement, he worked for OSF Healthcare for 15 years.

Dave was an avid golfer and a proud member of the Caterpillar Tech Center Golf League, where his team won several trophies. In retirement, he and Martha enjoyed traveling and spent many Januarys in Florida.

Dave was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church and the Wesley Sunday School Class for 60 years. Dave and Martha were active in the church, supporting the Youth Group as counselors and more recently assisting at the information desk on Sunday mornings.

He had a great sense of humor and cherished time spent with friends, enjoying concerts, plays, and Bradley basketball games. His beautifully kept yard was a source of pride (not a leaf out of place), even receiving a neighborhood beautification award. Above all, he treasured moments with his immediate and extended family. His granddaughters were truly the light of his life.

The family extends our gratitude to the staff and friends at Buehler Home and Transitions Hospice for caring for him and supporting us with love and kindness during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry Ave, Peoria. Reverend Dr. Tim Ozment will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Swan Lake Cemetery, 4601 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Peoria.

Condolences and memories may be shared through Woolsey-Wilton.com