Lori Larson

Lori Lee Larson, age 65, of Des Moines, IA, went to be with her Savior on Friday, March 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lori was the first child born to Glenn Allyn and Joyce Ann (Anliker) Larson, arriving January 14, 1960: sister to Cindy (Lloyd) Chalfant and Sheri (Devin) Wren; aunt to nieces and nephews: Hannah, Samantha, Jacob, Noah; Danielle, Kelsey, and Kayleigh. Lori was preceded in death by her father Glenn.

Lori attended school in Des Moines and graduated from Hoover High School in 1978. During high school, Lori sang in numerous choirs at school. She auditioned for and was awarded a position in the All State High School Honor Choir. After high school, Lori attended Luther College studying music. She held various customer service and administrative support positions in Des Moines and Omaha for a number of years before moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1985 where she owned a home and was the Auction Manager for the local Public Television Station WOSU for 10 years. When Lori returned to Des Moines, she worked as a home health aide and was a loving Christian example to those she helped. As a direct support professional at Link Associates working with those with cognitive disabilities, Lori formed deep loving relationships with three special ladies and brought them to visit her family. She also owned a home on beautiful Thompson Ave that she treasured and decorated in her own inimitable style. She went back to school and graduated with a bachelor's degree from Grandview University in 2014. From there, she transitioned her skills into special education as a paraprofessional working for the Ankeny Public Schools until her illness pulled her out of the classroom. Lori thoroughly enjoyed her job and it was very evident that she cared deeply for the students she worked with.

Lori sang alongside her mother in the Des Moines Choral Society for several years and they enjoyed a trip to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall - what an honor! She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and enjoying God's creation. Through the years, Lori shared her life with some very special cats that she most definitely spoiled and they brought her great joy.

Lori will be known for her creative and artistic abilities; her wit and independent personality .She loved with all her heart and was a strong believer in Christ. She will be missed by family and friends, but we are all comforted knowing that she is at peace with God.

Visitation will be held on March 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm with the service to follow at 2:00 pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 8301 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, Iowa.

"You will never look into the eyes of someone who God does not love." Mother Teresa

Online condolences may be shared at www.simplifyiowa.com