Elmer (Sonny) Ludwig Larson, Jr. was born July 26, 1922 to Elmer L and Mary (Esslinger) Larson in Springfield, Illinois. His early childhood was spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota until he moved with his parents and sister, Lois, to Downers Grove, Illinois in 1937 and graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1940.  He attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin until volunteering to serve in the Army Air Corp during World War II as lead navigator in a B-24 squadron.  He received the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for service to his country.  
     Upon returning to Lawrence College after the War, he received his degree in psychology.  Elmer was employed by American Airlines for a brief time after graduation and worked for more than 30 years for Ryerson Steel in Chicago as Personnel Manager.  He also enjoyed farming and operating with his family a 40-acre cherry orchard in Shelby, Michigan.
     He met Dawn Wilmer and the two were married May 19, 1951. They made their home in Downers Grove until the couple retired to Florida in 1994.  While in Downers Grove, Elmer and Dawn loved and raised their four children.
     Elmer enjoyed Florida living and the activities Highland Lakes provided.  He was the treasurer for the Men's Club and a member of the Travel Club, the Midwest Club and was a member of the Palm Harbor United Methodist Church. Upon his move to Vinton in 2007, Elmer became a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and enjoyed PEP Club.  Elmer liked Egyptology and other ancient cultures, ships, animals, gardening and being with his family.
     Elmer died Tuesday November 4, 2008 at the Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dawn (Wilmer) Larson of Vinton, IA; his son, Jon, of West Chicago, IL; his three daughters: Rev. Kären Larson of Vinton, IA; Margaret Arbetman of Naperville IL; Carol (George) Kritselis of Naperville IL; his sister, Lois Larson of Palm Harbor FL; five grandchildren, (Brian, Jennifer, Michelle, Alexander, Andrew) four great-grandchildren; (Noah, Aiden, Ethan, Molly) many cousins and friends. Elmer loved greatly and will be greatly missed.
     A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, November 7, 2008 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Michael Ferguson officiating.  Phillips Funeral Home is assisting the Larson family.