Allen Larson

Allen Duane Larson, 61, of Rock Island, died Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at University of Iowa Medical Center, Iowa City. He was born October 31, 1957 in Moline to Sheldon W. and Nona (Ruzanski) Larson. He married Joanne M. Hoefle November 20, 1982 in Marengo, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13th, 2019, at Swedona Lutheran Church. Cremation rites have been accorded per the families wishes. Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl, Funeral Home, Ltd., is assisting the family. Burial will be at Swedona Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to The Quad City Animal Welfare Center, 724 West 2nd Avenue, Milan, IL 61264-2439.

Allen’s loves were his family, friends, and his animal companions. When he moved in, Mom’s Yorkshire Terrier, Saffron, quickly became “his dog”. They were best pals as were he and Barnabus, Arnold and Sweetie, and in later years canine pals Dieter and Petey, and feline friends Elvira, Yellow Cat, Splenda, Buddy, Noël, Smudgie (“his girl”), and Yvette. A1975 graduateof Orion High School, Al's career was in advertising. He worked for Eagle Foods as a lithographer from 1974-1993 and later in pre-press for The Brandt Company,Davenport. . It simply cannot be said that Allen didn’t make friends easily, and he seemingly knew everyone under the sun. He walked with the Corn Belt Running Club and supported it as a road guard during events. He had many friends from his years as a member of the Quad City Parrot Head Club. He doted on granddaughter Lauren when she was little, making her his sidekick for outings and errands. Al became fast friends with Robert when Kevin brought him to the Q. C. area for his first visit in 2006, and would often observe that weather was heading "to the boys" when it seemed Illinois weather might be heading for Maine. Kevin looked forward to seeing Al whenever he came home, the visits punctuated by Al’s talk of his childhood and just about everything else. They enjoyed visits to Jim's Rib Haven and The Village Pub, where Al loved their coleslaw and Rubens. In Jennifer's words: “You taught me to drive a stick, drive a boat, love rock and roll and so much more. I couldn’t have asked for a better stepdad. You were always there for me no matter what. My heart will always ache missing you. I love you Al." Allen was a good soul and will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Joanne; mother, Nona, Pueblo, CO; sisters, Phyllis Starner (Greg), Chandler, AZ, Miriam Farris, Pueblo, CO, and Denise Provenza (Gary), step-daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Smeaton, Davenport, IA; and a step-son, Kevin Hoefle (Robert Buchanan), Portland, ME.