Delbert Larson, 84, of Hiawatha, died Wednesday evening, September 24, 2014 at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Del was born in Effingham, Kansas, May 5, 1930 to Ludwig and Selma Knudson Larson. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1949 and attended Kansas State University where he received a bachelor’s and a master’s of science in agronomy. While at Kansas State, he was an active member of FarmHouse Fraternity. After working for three years at the University of Nebraska Research Station in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Del went to medical school at Iowa University.

In 1965, Del, his wife Nancy, and their children Teresa, Bob and Cindy, moved to Hiawatha where he practiced as a family physician for more than 30 years. During that time, Del and Nancy had two more daughters, Janelle and Marisa.

Del served the Hiawatha community as a volunteer with the American Legion Honor Guard, Kiwanis, and the Library board. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha. He also served as a flight surgeon in the Air Force Reserves and was activated to full service during Desert Storm. Del volunteered with Heart to Heart International, going to Turkey twice and to Haiti to help those communities after devastating earthquakes. He enjoyed drinking coffee and visiting with friends, attending HHS sporting events and K-State football games, and teaching his grandchildren how to fish.

Del and Nancy (Johnson) Larson were married September 8, 1957 in Oberlin, Kansas. Del is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward Larson, his sister LaVerne (Larson) Sternsdorff, and his daughter Teresa Larson. He is survived by Nancy, his children Bob (Laura) Larson, Michael Bratton (Teresa’s husband), Cindy Johnson, Janelle Larson and Marisa Larson, nine grandchildren, his brothers Stan (Annette) Larson and Larry (Gloria) Larson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Del’s Life is planned for 1:30 Monday afternoon, September 29, at the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha. Reverend Randy Quinn will officiate.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Sunday where the family will meet with friends Sunday afternoon from 2 until 4.

A private internment ceremony will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Hiawatha Library or the First United Methodist Church which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7^th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Online condolences may be made to www.chapeloaksfuneral home.com.