Axel Enoch Larson, age 90, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Tuesday July 14, 2026, at Accura Healthcare of Stanton, Iowa. Axel was born August 7, 1935, in Pine River, Minnesota, the son of Clarence Alexander and Inice Daisy (Crist) Larson. He grew up in Minnesota and Red Oak, Iowa, graduating in the class of 1954 at Red Oak High School. Axel was united in marriage to Bette Gustafson on March 6, 1960, in Red Oak, Iowa. They lived on their current farm for the past 64 years. They raised corn, beans, hay, hogs, cattle, and chickens. Axel’s passion was the farm. He was a longtime member of the Stratton United Methodist Church where he served on the board. Axel was also a member of Farm Bureau, served on the Farmer’s Mercantile board, Pork Producers, and Mills Montgomery County Cattleman. The Larsons were honored as the “Farm Family of the Week” on WOWT Channel 6 and later recognized in the Iowa State Hall of Fame for Montgomery County at the Iowa State Fair.

Preceding him in death were his parents; grandchildren: Stephanie Frost and Justin Larson; siblings: Darwin Larson (Pat); Judy McFarland (Bill); Carl Larson; and Lloyd Larson; brother-in-law: Mike Gustafson; and sister-in-law: Connie Kinser. Survivors include his wife: Bette Larson of Red Oak; children: Andy Larson of Red Oak; Lyndee Schaefer and husband Tim of Overland Park, KS; Amy Larson of Lincoln, NE; Susan Fuhrman and husband Ken of Bronson, KS; and Sandy Mercer of Columbus, NE; 8 grandchildren: Shayne Larson and wife Katie of Stanton, IA; Jared Larson of Las Cruces, NM; Gavin Frost of Vandalia, MO; Spencer Frost and wife Jazlen of St. Louis, MO; Chance Fuhrman of Kansas City, MO; Alexa Fuhrman of Bronson, KS; Garret Mercer and wife Taylor of Miami, OK; and Cass Mercer of Columbus, MO; 9 great grandchildren: Sloane Larson, Pryor Larson, Merric Larson, Gabriel Frost, Ezra Frost, Alrick Mercer, Kohan Mercer, Stockton Mercer, and Slayton Mercer; sister-in-law Viki Heuton of Pleasant Hill, IA; brother-in-law: Jim Kinser of Winterset, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, July 24, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.