Jerry E. "Flip" Larsen

Jerry E. Larsen, affectionately known as “Flip,” passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on February 4, 2025, one day shy of his birthday, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on February 5, 1939, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Helen V. Plauske and Edward L. Haberski, Jerry’s life was a testament to resilience, humor, and an unwavering love for sports, education, and most of all, his family. Jerry was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt.  

Jerry’s childhood was marked by challenges that shaped his lifelong passion for teaching and mentoring. From the ages of 6 to 9, he lived at the Taylor Home Orphanage during the week, returning home to his mother on weekends. It was there at the orphanage that Jerry’s love for sports blossomed. He not only played sports with older boys but began coaching younger ones at just nine years old, planting the seeds for what would become a distinguished career in coaching and education.  

After graduating from Racine Lutheran High School, Jerry served as a radio operator in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His service exemplified his dedication and discipline, traits that would carry him through the rest of his life. Following his military service, Jerry attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, where he arrived with nothing more than a quarter in his pocket. During his time there he was an all star player in three separate sports: basketball (point guard), football (quarterback), and baseball (pitcher). While working a night-shift job at a local gas station to put himself through school, he earned a degree in Physical Education and Art for K-12. His famous nickname, “Flip,” was given to him during college registration when the football coach needed to distinguish between three Jerry E. Larsens in line—a name that stuck with him for life.  

Jerry’s athletic talents led him to play minor league baseball for the Atlanta Braves, but it was his passion for teaching and coaching that truly defined his career. He taught and coached in various towns across Iowa, including Sabula, Winfield Mount Union, Mount Pleasant, Oakland, and Corning. His expansive teaching career came to an end after 34 years when he retired from Twin River Valley school in Bode, Iowa in 2003. One of his proudest coaching achievements was leading the Corning Girls Red Raiderette basketball team to the state tournament—the only time in the school’s history. He was exceptional at starting and developing sporting teams and helped numerous schools develop girls athletic programs, many of whom were very successful. His dedication to sports and education left a lasting mark on every community he served.  

In Corning, Jerry met the love of his life, Brenda. They were married in Las Vegas and shared 39 wonderful years together. His passing occurred just before their 40th anniversary, which was to be in March. Together, they raised two children, Talyn Davis (Luke Davis) and Tad Larsen, who were the absolute joys of Jerry’s life. He was an avid coach and supporter of his children’s athletic pursuits, coaching Talyn’s traveling youth basketball team, the Wild-Kittens, and umpiring Tad’s baseball games. He never missed an opportunity to share his love of sports, whether it was discussing game stats with his son or cheering on his beloved Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Phillies. 

Jerry’s sense of humor was legendary. Known for his quick wit and playful nature, he could turn any moment into a reason for laughter. A favorite among children, Jerry would often carry small stuffed animals to give away at restaurants, church, or sporting events. His signature joke involved offering kids a dollar to show him how to hold a bat—only to exclaim, “No! You hold it by the wings so it doesn’t bite you!” His family lovingly tolerated his antics, knowing that his humor brought joy to everyone around him. 

Beyond teaching and coaching, Jerry was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned and operated “Flip’s Sports Card Shop” in Humboldt, Iowa, for four years, creating a safe place for countless children to learn to love sports. His love for games extended to occasionally gambling, where he once won a Corvette, famously driving it at 100 mph down I-80. Jerry’s love for the outdoors was equally strong; he was an avid golfer at Spring Valley Golf Course, often playing 27 holes a day, and he enjoyed fishing and feeding the birds and squirrels in his backyard—many of whom, as his family joked, became hilariously overfed.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Haberski. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda Larsen; his daughter, Talyn Davis, and her husband, Luke; his son, Tad Larsen; and his first cousin, Jerry Mikulanec. He also leaves behind 12 in-laws and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces/nephews whom he loved to wrestle with and lovingly tease. He was also an avid animal lover and over his life raised many cherished dogs, including Toby, Judd, Quinn, Max, and Ringo, who, to him, were as much a part of his family as anyone.  

Jerry’s life was one of laughter, love, and endless dedication to his family, students, and community. He will be remembered as a man who brought laughter and joy wherever he went, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and an unshakable love for sports and education. His spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched, and his memory will forever be a source of peace and love.  

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8th at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service in Humboldt. A Family Prayer Service will follow. www.masonlindhart.com