Charles "Chuck" Raye Larsen

Charles “Chuck” Larsen passed away on May 8th, 2026 in Peoria, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and devotion to those he loved most.

Chuck was born in Waterloo, Iowa, to Raymond Larsen and Frances (Kanis) Larsen, and was the eldest of two siblings. Following high school, Chuck attended Iowa State University before pursuing a career as a machinist and assemblyman. Chuck was then drafted into the Army, where he served his country from 1967 to until 1969. Following his date of reserve, he worked at Harnischfeger in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from 1973 to 1986, where he built a reputation for dedication and skill. He then attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, earning his Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming. In 1992, Chuck relocated to Peoria, Illinois where he continued his education at the University of Illinois-Springfield, as well as his career with Keystone Steel & Wire, where he remained until his retirement.

Chuck found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and in sharing experiences with the people he loved. He had a gift for woodworking and spent countless hours creating beautiful furniture and handcrafted pieces for family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, meticulously caring for his lawn, solving puzzles, rooting for his favorite NASCAR drivers, and serving as a crew member for his friend Mike Boylan’s hot air balloon adventures.

His family celebrates Chuck most for his gentle and playful spirit. When his daughters were little, Chuck patiently let them put barrettes in his hair, creating memories that would be treasured forever. Later in life, he became a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, always making sure his family had special adventures to look forward to. Whether it was the Apple Festival, the Festival of Lights, Wildlife Prairie Park during Halloween, or dinosaur exhibits, Chuck loved creating experiences and traditions that brought smiles to their faces. At his home, his granddaughters Shelbie and Shanna even had their own cabinet filled with toys, and as soon as they walked through the door, the girls knew exactly where to run to first. He proudly carried on those same traditions with his beloved great-grandson, Myles.

Chuck is fondly remembered for his humorous way of keeping his family grounded--whenever someone made a mistake or got into trouble, he was quick to lovingly call them a “knucklehead” or “bonehead,” nicknames that became part of the family’s cherished memories and inside jokes.

A memory of significant importance to his family came after Chuck received his cancer diagnosis. Even while facing his own mortality, his primary concern was making sure his daughters would be okay. He wanted to be certain they knew what to do, and that they would be taken care of once he was gone. That unwavering love and selflessness defined the kind of father he was and the memory of his care and dedication to his family remains close in their hearts.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Frances Larsen; and his sister, Carol (Larsen) Norton. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Larsen and Stephanie Larsen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Nicole Larsen of Baltimore, Maryland; his granddaughters, Shelbie and Shanna Matthiessen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and his great-grandson, Myles Matthiessen, who brought him endless joy.

Chuck will be remembered for his steady hands, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family. The traditions he created and the laughter he shared will continue to live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu flowers, the family asks those that are inclined to make a donation in his name to one of the charities he frequently supported: The American Association for Cancer Research, or The Wounded Warriors Project.