Norman "Nope" Larson

Norman “Nope” Larson, age 74, of Decorah, IA, died Monday, January 27, 2014, at the Winneshiek Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2014, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Dave Sorenson and Rev. Bryan Robertson presiding. Burial will be in the Freeport Cemetery, Decorah, IA. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 30, 2013, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Friday morning. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to the Winneshiek County Hospice, 907 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101. Norman Roy “Nope” Larson, was born on November 24, 1939, the son of Southwick and Marjorie (Sweet) Larson in Joice, Iowa. He graduated from Kensett High School in Kensett, Iowa in 1957. Nope served in the US Army from 1959-62. He returned and went to work for the Fred Carlson Company for fifty-three years and also for Knife River, retiring in 2008. Nope was an equipment operator and superintendent for Carlson’s and was always remembered by wearing a polka dotted hat to work. After retirement he babysat for his grandchildren, Bella and Kole, in Protivin for three years. Nope enjoyed dancing, hunting, playing cards, going to the races, snowmobiling, and visiting with friends in the garage and around the firepit. He also enjoyed singing to country music and with his family. Nope was given his nickname by his brother, Duane, which started out at “Roper” to “Noper” and then onto ‘Nope” which has stuck for many years. Nope is survived by his wife: Cindy Larson, Decorah, IA. Three children: Susie (Ryan Huinker) Larson, Ossian, IA; Katie (Kyle) Stika, Protivin, IA; and Steve (Malory Hartong) Larson, Decorah, IA. Four grandchildren: Bella, Kole and Josie Stika and Tate Larson. One brother: Duane (Arlene) Larson, Decorah, IA. Three sisters: Louise Haugebak, Northwood, IA; Merle Statzer, Mason City, IA; and Dorothy (“Bud”) Williams, Northwood, IA. His father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ralph and Dolores Pecinovsky, Protivin, IA. One brother-in-law: Ron (Val) Pecinovsky, Protivin, IA, along with several nieces and nephews. Nope was preceded in death by his parents: Southwick and Marjorie (Sweet) Larson. Three sisters: Lorraine (Frank) Kasik, Marcella (Bert) Hauge and Norita Carrigan. Two brothers-in-law: Dean Statzer and Marl Haugebak.