October 4, 1939 – April 23, 2025
Larry Keith Dixon, 85, of Mason City, IA passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Heritage Care and Rehabilitation Center in Mason City, IA.
In accordance with Larry’s wishes, a private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Sharon Dixon.
Larry was born on October 4, 1939 in Northwood, IA to Harold and Pearl (Abbey) Dixon. Larry attended a small country school alongside his siblings. He went on to graduate from Manly High School in 1957. He was a hard worker in his career with the Rock Island Railway, where he worked as a Brakeman and Conductor until his retirement. In high school Larry met the love of his life Sharon Birdsell, they went on to get married on December 4, 1959 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, from this union two daughters were born Laura and Tracy.
Larry was the kind of person who never met a stranger. His likeable nature and easy smile made everyone feel instantly at ease. He had a gift for conversation, always ready with a joke or a kind word, and his laughter was as contagious as his positive outlook on life. He faced each day with a cheerful heart and an open mind, bringing sunshine even to the cloudiest moments.
Larry’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved picking them up from school, babysitting, and taking them to car races. They always looked forward to his famous mac n’ cheese, a special dish served with a big smile.
Even through illness, Larry remained a trooper. His family described him as brave, even on the toughest days, always finding something to smile about and always putting others at ease. His strength and spirit were truly inspiring.
In his free time, Larry enjoyed watching car races, building stock cars with his friends, and collecting watches and knives. He had a knack for craftsmanship and found peace in building birdhouses. One of his favorite routines was getting up as early as possible to join the Coffee Club, a morning ritual at the local McDonald’s where he caught up with friends and solved all the world’s problems.
More than anything, Larry was giving, with his time, his attention, and his love. Whether you needed a helping hand, a listening ear, or a good laugh, Larry was always there.
Larry’s family would like to express gratitude to MercyOne, West Campus and Heritage Care and Rehabilitation Center for their dedication to taking care of Larry at his time of need.
Those left to cherish Larry’s memory are his wife Sharon Dixon; his daughters Laura (Darin) Bramsen and Tracy (Mike) Waite; grandchildren Jeramy Schiefelbein, Ben Bramsen, Jacob (Alyssa) Waite and Jillian Waite; great grandchildren Alexis (Josh) Snook, Zane Schiefelbein, Makayla Waite, MaKenna Waite, Jaxon Waite, Novaleigh Waite, Hailey Hanson, Hayden Hanson and Hanna Hanson; great great granddaughter Everly; sister Donna Backhaus, sister-in-laws Pat Dixon, Linda Johnston and Nancy Whipple as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Pearl Dixon, brother Harold Dixon, parents-in-law Don and June Birdsell and brother-in-law Roger Backhaus.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-2372.
ColonialChapels.com