In Memory of Larry W. Watson

Larry W. Watson, age 77, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by his children.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Ken Miller will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Battle Creek and Ida Grove, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family at (Tammy Jo Ryan) 3603 Cadillac Drive, Waterloo, Iowa 50701.

Larry Wayne Watson, the son of Clarence and Alberta (Preston) Watson, was born on November 21, 1947, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He grew up in the Battle Creek and Ida Grove, Iowa, area and received his education from Ida Grove High School graduating with the class of 1966. Larry enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1968 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

On September 2, 1967, Larry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Jo Brueck, in the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Tammy Jo and Marci. 

A man of integrity and hard work, Larry had an unbreakable love for his family. He had a deep love for fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his grandkids. He worked tirelessly as a serviceman for GOMACO for 37 years, where he was known for his vast knowledge of paving machinery and his worldly travels. 

Larry always had a witty comeback when chatting over coffee, but he also taught us the importance of hard work, being honest, and owning your mistakes. He didn’t go anywhere without his faithful dog, Buster, by his side. When asked how he was, the answer was always “I’m fine”. He was a true Watson at heart, tough to the core. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughters Tammy Jo Ryan of Waterloo, IA and Marci (Tom Zanter) Watson of La Crosse, WI; grandchildren: Ashlyn Ryan and Logan Ryan of Cedar Falls, IA, Chase (fiancée Madi Zika) Ryan of Waverly, IA, Breezy Ryan of Waterloo, IA and Lexi Zanter of La Crosse, WI; sister Betty Meyer of Odebolt, IA; brother Roger (Karen) Watson of Ida Grove, IA; brothers-in-law Henry (Dixie) Brueck of Holstein, IA and Robert (Cindy Tyler) Brueck of Camdenton, MO; extended family and a host of dear friends.

Welcoming him into his eternal home is his soulmate Mary Jo (Brueck) Watson; parents Clarence and Alberta (Preston) Watson; brother Clarence, Jr. (Sandy) Watson; and brother-in-law Verlyn Meyer.