Larry Dawson

Larry Gene Dawson of St. Paul, MN died March 23, 2024, at the age of 82, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, a disease that he endured for five and a half years. His family will honor Larry with a private celebration of life later this year. Memorials may be given to local EMTs or libraries.

Larry was born in Hamburg April 12, 1941 to James and Doris (Wynn) Dawson. He was raised on a farm in Riverton near the West Nishnabotna River.  He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University.

Larry settled in Monona where he taught Social Studies and coached girls athletics for ten years. He married Sherie Henderson August 6, 1971. After starting his family, he worked for the Land O’Lakes/Cenex Farmers’ Cooperative in Monona for 32 years. Upon retiring in 2009, he and his wife relocated to St. Paul, MN.

Larry was an avid reader, particularly of U.S. history.  He enjoyed completing the daily newspaper’s crossword puzzle with Sherie.  He also enjoyed listening to music. He loved fishing with family and friends. He was an accomplished cook and wood carver.

Larry was a quiet, kind man. He laughed easily. He had a quick wit and a keen sense of humor. Larry was a great dad and had a close relationship with each of his three sons. Larry especially enjoyed being a grandfather who took pride in the achievements of his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherie; three sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and Joanna Willis, Matthew and Sarah Gioia, and Mark and Adrienne Hannert; and four grandchildren. Larry is also survived by two brothers and two sisters-in-law: Leslie and Janice of Nebraska City, NE, and Lyle and Barbara of San Antonio, TX.