Beverly J. Larson

God scripted the most beautiful and fitting passing for Beverly Jean Larson – someone who adored her two children and excelled at being a mother. On Sunday, May 10, 2026 – Mother’s Day no less – Beverly peacefully passed away at the age of 76, as her children held her hands and her entire family stood by her side. It couldn’t have been scripted in a more perfect way.

The youngest of four girls, Beverly was born in Iowa City, Iowa on January 23, 1950, to Jasper and Marie Wasson. She was raised on a farm, walked down a dirt road to her one-room schoolhouse from a young age and learned the value of hard work, resilience and appreciation of simple moments that shaped her character.

Beverly graduated from Washington High School in 1968 and was a surgical technician at University of Iowa Hospitals where she met her future husband and soul mate, Merwyn “Lars” Larson, a well-respected and fun-loving physician. The two married in Iowa City in 1971, moved to Mason City soon thereafter, and shared a love that spanned decades.

Beverly’s quiet demeanor belied the true nature of who she was as a person. She was passionate about raising kind, hard-working and grounded kids. Whether it was at the baseball field, the ice arena, or the dojo – she was there for every practice, game, tournament and recital – and instilled a sense of focus, confidence and determination that her children continue to carry with them.

Beverly’s interests extended well beyond her small-town upbringing, but she never forgot her roots. Often referring to herself as “Beverly from Brighton”, her taste in music was a reflection of growing up in the 60s with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass band providing the soundtrack to her life. She drove a Mustang that honored her late father – whom she always referred to as Daddy – with a customized license plate bearing his name.

We will miss her “million-dollar smile” and remember a life lived with immense thoughtfulness and kindness that was the essence of Beverly’s being.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania, with Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating. A gathering will take place one hour prior to the service time. Inurnment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials can be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

Beverly is survived by her children: Aaron (Mary Beth) Larson, Sarah (John) McGarvey; her grandchildren Ellianna, Cierra, Savannah and Shon Larson and Charlie and Orla McGarvey; and her sisters Ella “Susie” (David) Jennings, Linda (John) Linch, and Nancy Dickinson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.