Keith Wayne Larson

Keith W. Larson, age 70, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

He was born on December 1, 1953 in Manhattan, Kansas, to Jerrel and Marian (Ratliff) Larson. A 1972 graduate of Cedar Falls High School, Keith served his country in the United States Navy from 1972-1976.

Keith attended Hawkeye Tech and UNI to obtain his certification and worked as an industrial electrician for the majority of his 37-year career at John Deere, retiring from Engine Works in 2009. His busy retirement included owning and operating Larson Wheel since 2002. He also served as adjunct electrical instructor at Hawkeye Community College and managing operations at Happy Hippo Car Wash.

On August 16, 1980, he married Kim Kischer of Waterloo at Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls, where he remained a lifelong member. He was also a member of UAW Local 838, Sports Car Club of America, Tire Industry Association, and the Cedar Falls Pickleball Club. His passion in life was all things cars, including dirt track stock car racing, SCCA autocross, restoration of classic cars, and fabrications of his own design.

After years of being a wonderful father to his boys, he ultimately found his calling as a grandfather of five. Affectionately known as "Pipa," he found immense joy in spending time with all of them, whether Saturday morning breakfasts, sporting events, car shows, or any other activity in which he could take part.

Keith is survived by his wife, Kim Kischer-Larson; two sons, Kyle (Lori) Larson, and Kale (Kim) Larson, both of Cedar Falls; five grandchildren, Chase, Milo, Charlie, Callum, and Maisy; his parents of Cedar Falls; two brothers, Bruce (Patsy) Larson of Denver, Colorado, and Chris (Jena) Larson of Atlantic; his father-in-law, Kent Kischer of Cedar Falls; brother-in-law, Bivan (Leslie) Kischer of Highland Park, Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Karlene Kischer-Browne of Waterloo, and Keithlyn (Dan) Gifford of Spencer; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Curly Sue. Keith was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; and mother-in-law, Barbara Kischer.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1:00-4:00 PM on September 28, 2024, at Locke Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo. The family will have a private inurnment with full military honors at a later date in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, (319) 233-3146.