Leslie "Les" C. Larson

Leslie C. Les Larson, age 79, of Council Bluffs passed away March 19, 2015 at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. He was born in Council Bluffs on May 11, 1935 to the late David and Helen Larson. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1953. He attended Grace College of the Bible (now Grace University) in Omaha, Nebraska and in 1977 he graduated with a pastoral certificate. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Jensen; brother, Larry Larson; father-in-law, Frank Spring; sons-in-law, Darrell Lee Goss and Ron Sailors; granddaughters, Brandy, Breanna and Alivia Lippert; grandson, Justin Lippert; great grandsons, AJ Dewayne Lippert and Sawyer Lippert. He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Peggy Larson; daughters, Chris Goss and Verne Welch, Terri and Bruce Lippert, Penny and Roy Chism all of Council Bluffs; sons, Randy and Cheryl Larson of Council Bluffs, Tracy and Denise Larson of Florida; sisters, Judy Larson and Janice Burbridge of Council Bluffs; 97 year old mother-in-law, Dorothy Spring; 39 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. Life is not measured by the years that you live but the lifetime you lived and the impact you made in peoples lives. Dad was a farm boy. He grew up with simple things in life. He was born when working hard and valuing what you had was a given. He owned and operated Auto Glass Service from 1956-2000. He was Pastor of Pierson Christian Church from 2000-2006 and Pastor of Troy Mills Christian Church from 2000-2006. He had served as the Chair of the Open Door Mission in Omaha for 12 years, State Vice President and National Director; state Membership Chair for the Jaycees. He was the past president and board member for the Asphalt Pavement for Christian Business. He had been a member of Kiwanis, Elks and was a tyler in the Masons. Hed been a member of the Shriners in position of Patrol and they were ranked National Champions for 5 consecutive years. He was also designated as the youngest President of the Executives Association. Dad left his legacy in his wife and his children. He left us with his commitment to his marriage of 61 years, to living a life that was true to his God. He left us with morals and values in work and home to pass to our children and his grandchildren. He taught us to work hard and give all that you have to whatever you do, never give up, be proud of what you accomplish and value what you have. He taught us that money doesnt buy happiness and family is your greatest gift. That children are a gift not given. Never give up on yourself or your children. Find peace and happiness within yourself, but most of all to love your God for he will be your comfort, companion and salvation from this life to eternity. He shared that with everyone. I know there is a beginning and a middle and then a new beginning, but never an ending if you believe. I know dad you are just beginning your new life and are with my children, grandchildren, friends and the rest of your family and we will see you in an instant. But, the one thing he always said and would want all to know, When I leave this earth I will be at peace and I want you to have peace. He made sure mom was ready as she could be and he left peacefully surrounded by his family. Visitation is Wednesday 6:00pm. to 8:00p.m. at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Funeral service is Thursday 10:00a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Open Door Mission, Mohms Place or the American Cancer Society.