Austin James Larson

   Austin J. Larson, 20, of Newton, formerly of Lynnville, died Thursday, July 2, 2026.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Lynnville-Sully High School gymnasium.  The family will be available to greet friends at the school directly following the service. Following the services, a luncheon will be held at the Sully First Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Austin’s name can be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton or at the school on the day of the service. Please make checks payable to Shawna Routier.

   Austin, the son of Daniel Gorby and Shawna Routier, was born May 12, 2006, in Newton. He grew up in the Galesburg and Lynnville communities and was a 2025 graduate of Lynnville-Sully High School.  In high school, Austin played football and ran track for 3 years until an injury sidelined him. He had recently begun working as a powder coat painter at Co-Line Manufacturing. Prior to that, he worked at The Sully Locker, where he occasionally still picked up shifts. Austin enjoyed playing UFC game on X-Box, watching UFC, cheering for the Chicago Bears, and listening to music. He was also known for being a clean freak and the love he had for his Jordans. He frequently sent inappropriate TikToks to his dad and stepdad and added a lot of humor to family group chats.  More than anything, he loved hanging out with his friends and spending time with his son, Wesson. He was a master of sports trivia—especially football. Austin had a contagious smile and could light up a room with his upbeat personality and his lightheartedness. He would take the time to have a conversation with anyone and had a way of making people feel seen and uplifted. Austin was outspoken and had strong opinions but had a loving way of speaking his mind so people knew he cared about them. He was responsible, loyal, and a hard worker.  He was always the first to be there when someone was in need—especially if it was one of his siblings. 

   Austin is survived by his son, Wesson; his parents, Shawna and Curt Routier of Lynnville and Danny Gorby of Hartford; his half-siblings: Nevaeh Hellickson of Sully, Joshua Hellickson, Jr. of Newton, Gavin Olea of Lynnville, Aaliyah Routier of Lynnville, Jaxon Spargur of Pleasant Hill, Tyson Spargur of Pleasant Hill, Haidon Spargur of Pleasant Hill, and Kallie Bouck of Newton; his step-sisters: Kaia Routier of Marshalltown, Haylei Routier of Grinnell, Vani Routier of Bondurant, and Lulu Routier of Bondurant; his niece, whom he adored, Violet Anderson; his grandparents; Mickie and Julie Ruple of Newton, Rod Larson of Cedar Rapids, Jeff and Lisa Routson of Hartford, Jerry and Karri Routier of Malcom, and Curt and Loretta Phipps of Searsboro; his great-grandparents: Connie Frahm of Newton, Linda Shields of Marion, Betty Moore of Des Moines, and Eileen Miller of Lynnville; several aunts and uncles, including RJ Larson of Minnesota, Tanya Larson of Cedar Rapids, Amelia Phipps of Michigan, and Matt and Alicia Routier of Sully; and close family friends, Jessie and Jason Dop and Leanna and Justin Rasmusson.

   Austin was preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Leo Shields, Lawrence Routier, Sheryl Eckhart, and Bev Lenter; and his close friend, Thane Morgan.

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