Luther "Luke" Larsen

Luther “Luke” Jay Larsen, 60, of Casey, Iowa passed away on July 16, 2025.

Luke was born on February 4, 1965 to Dale and Beverly Larsen. Luke was a proud father, gifted mechanic, and beloved friend to many. From a young age he had a deep curiosity about how things worked - often taking apart his sister’s cassette players and walkie-talkies, which sparked a passion for mechanics and fabrication. As a child he enjoyed playing with his sister, being on the farm with his Grandpa Max, and joining his dad at the Des Moines Iron Company, where he would play in the bins of nuts and bolts while his father worked.

Luke attended Adair-Casey High School, and continued his education at DMACC in the automotive program, where he found his true calling. He was truly gifted in fabrication, diagnostics, and making the impossible possible. From custom tools to creative fixes, there wasn’t much he couldn’t build, repair, or improve.

Luke had two children, Trevor and Cora, who were his pride and joy. Luke loved spending time with them - working on cars with Trevor, attending marching band competitions with Cora. He built them go-karts, taught them how to shoot, and made his famous French toast on weekend mornings.

Luke wasn’t just known for his skill, but for his heart. His garage - fondly nicknamed the “Shit Shack” - was a local gathering place. Friends would stop by to talk cars, life, or simply “shoot the shit.” He welcomed everyone with a story and a laugh. It was also where people brought broken items - from appliances to vehicle parts - knowing Luke would not let it leave his shop until it was better than factory.

Outside the shop, Luke loved riding motorcycles with friends, car shows, and races. He was no stranger to a good meal, always making sure to follow it up with a sweet treat. He had a talent for conversation and made friends wherever he went. He was a simple man with a big personality. He found joy in helping others, spending time with his sister, and pride in the lives of his children, whom he often bragged about to anyone who would listen.

Luke is survived by his children, Trevor and Cora Larsen; his mother, Beverly Larsen, and his sister, Barb Fees. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Larsen, as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents.

He will be remembered for his goofiness, generosity, and his deep love of family and friends. His legacy lives on in every engine he brought back to life and every person that had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral Services will be at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Casey Community Center with Pastor Jessica Jacobsen officiating.

Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Private burial will be at a later date at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Menlo.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family for future designation and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair is caring for the Larsen family at this time.