MASON CITY – Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Ewen, 85, of Mason City, passed away peacefully Monday, August 24, 2026, at Heritage Care Center in Mason City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave. in Mason City, with Rev. Paul Ameyaw as celebrant.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 4, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE in Mason City. A Scriptural Wake Service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Larry was born December 25, 1940, in Mason City, the oldest child of Walter and Marie (Geary) Ewen. He grew up in Mason City and graduated from Holy Family High School in 1959 before attending Mason City Junior College.
He served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1966, working as a weapons mechanic and photographer. During his military service, Larry picked up the nickname “The Monk,” which stayed with him for the rest of his life.
After leaving the Air Force, Larry moved to Algona, where he met Shiela Frideres. The couple married in 1968 and welcomed their son, Scott.
Fatherhood became one of the most important parts of Larry’s life.
He remained in Algona until 1993, when he returned to his Mason City roots. Larry and Shiela later divorced in 2003.
Over the years, Larry worked a variety of jobs, including at the post office, as well as in carpentry, painting and other work. He was known as someone willing to roll up his sleeves and tackle whatever job needed to be done.
Larry also had a deep love of reading. At one point, his reading habits became so well known that the Algona Public Library sought his opinion about which books should remain in its collection.
Faith also played an important role in his life. Larry taught CCD in Algona for many years and helped guide generations of young people through religious education.
He was sentimental and had a habit of keeping things he believed might someday prove useful.
Larry was also a devoted car enthusiast who enjoyed tinkering with vehicles and attending car shows. He belonged to the Henry Haulers F-100 Truck Club in Mason City and carried with him a lifelong appreciation for the cars, music and culture of the 1950s.
Those who knew Larry will remember his kindness, generosity and willingness to help others.
He is survived by his son, Scott (Kristin) Ewen; grandchildren Parker, Spencer, Jacob and Mason Ewen; sister Jeannie Brown; significant other Delores Nelson; and members of Delores’s family who became an important part of Larry’s life, including Aaron Nelson and Val (Korey) Jurgena.
He is also survived by grandchildren Becca (Leonard), Ian, Alyssa (Grant), Mitchell, Matt, Mariah and Kayden; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie Ewen; sister Marianne Ewen; and brother-in-law Bill Brown.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City is handling arrangements. To view Larry’s full obituary, leave a memory or obtain additional service information, please click here.
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