Ward Larson

Ward A. Larson, 74 of Bettendorf Iowa passed away January 21, 2021 in Iowa City surrounded by his family.

Public visitation will be from 4-7 pm, Monday, January 25, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline.  Private funeral services will be held and a livestream can be found on Ward’s obituary page at esterdahl.com on Tuesday at 10 a.m.  Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery where Military Honors will be conducted by VVA.  Memorials may be made to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.  In accordance with restrictions, attendees are expected to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.

Ward was born on January 30, 1946 in South Moline, the son of Robert and Josette Larson. He was a graduate from Augustana College and worked over 35 years at John Deere and Company. He was a proud United States Army veteran that served in Vietnam ’68-’69. He was very passionate about his country and patriotic. In 2017, Ward was very excited to be part of the Honor Flight with his daughter, Melissa as his guardian.

Ward met his wife Nadine Bouet while working for John Deere & Company in Orleans, France.  He asked Nadine to marry him after 3.5 weeks of knowing her. They married in Waldorf, Germany on November 29, 1976. Together they worked and lived in many countries in Europe and South Africa. In 1981, they moved to the United States where Ward was so proud that his wife gained citizenship. They raised their three children in Moline, Illinois. Recently, Ward and Nadine moved to Bettendorf, Iowa. After retirement Ward enjoyed more opportunities to travel with Nadine often and dedicate his time with his family. He loved his grandchildren deeply. Daily you could find him working at his son Travis’s business, that he was the foundation and the pillar of success. He enjoyed his painting area within his son’s business where he created his beautiful scenic artwork. Ward had many skills and traits that he instilled into his children; organization, being prompt, leadership, structure, and accounting. Most importantly he taught his kids to NEVER GIVE UP.

He often pushed his children to set goals and achieve them. He helped his daughter Shannon reach her goal of owning her own hair salon. His hard work ethic and dedication and to give your best can be seen as well in his daughter Melissa.

Ward enjoyed watching and cheering his children during their various sports. He was always their number one fan you knew that when he was present. He enjoyed playing the guitar, golfing, fishing and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Above all, was his love for family and spending time with his grandchildren. He was very proud to be a husband, father, Papa and will truly be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Nadine-Bettendorf, IA, children, Travis (Erin)Larson, Bettendorf, IA, Melissa (Jake) Nelson Davenport, IA, Shannon (Zach) Streit, Davenport, IA.

6 grandchildren: Mia & Scarlett Larson, Benjamin Nelson, Ayla, Kayden, and Evelyn Streit.

His sisters; Linda (Dave) Elbow, Liberty MO, Leslie (Mike) Strabley, Morton IL. Along with many loved nieces and nephews.  A host of great friends and Bubba.

Ward is preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Jr.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.