Nathan Larson

Nathan Emanuel Larson, age 67 of Riley, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

He was born on May 2, 1959, in Clay Center, the son of Ralph Edward and Lela Esther (Weir) Larson. He graduated from Riley County High School in 1977 and Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy in 1981.

He married Suzanne Nolen Arp on September 15, 1979, at the Riley United Methodist Church. She survives of the home.

Nathan dedicated his life to agriculture, conservation, and service to his community. A lifelong farmer and agricultural leader, he served more than 35 years on the Riley County Conservation District Board, 12 years on the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, 7 years on Kansas Wheat Commission, represented US agriculture in Brazil, China, Columbia, and Mexico through the US Grains Council, and served on numerous local boards including the Riley County School Board, Farm Bureau Board and Riley County Planning and Zoning Board. His leadership and stewardship were recognized through numerous honors, including being named to the 2021 Class of Kansas Master Farmers and receiving the Don Rezac Memorial Award twice for conservation leadership. Above all, Nathan believed deeply in service, education, stewardship of the land, and building stronger communities for future generations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nathan was best known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. He was a runner, storyteller, son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who set out not only to see the world, but to make it better for those around him. He will be remembered for his warm smile, goofy jokes, clever stories, and the way he made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

In addition to his wife, Suzie Larson, he is survived by one son, Jeremy Larson and wife Katie of Manhattan; one daughter, Lela Diers and husband Beau of Aviano, Italy; one sister, Denise Threewit and husband David of Riley, and four grandchildren, Colton Larson, Gwen Larson, Aria Diers, and Charlie Diers.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Respect calls and viewing may be made from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

A private family graveside will be held in the Riley Cemetery. A public celebration of Nathan’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The SAVE Farm, https://www.thesavefarm.org/, and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531.