Ira E. Larson was born on October 8, 1913 in Allamakee County. He graduated from Luther College in 1936, playing horn in Concert Band, playing football, and working on the Pioneer yearbook. Larson participated in Concert Band's notable European Tour in 1936. He later earned a master's in administration in 1939 from Iowa State University and an education specialist degree in 1969. He married Doris E. Veit on September 30, 1944; they had six children.

Larson was a career educator, serving as a teacher, high school principle, and county superintendent. Among other accomplishments, he was a key figure in the formation of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA, where he served as its assistant interim superintendent, 1970-1977 and interim superintendent, 1977-1978. He also had a military career, beginning with Army service in 1944 and ending with his retirement in 1973.

Larson passed away from colon cancer on January 22, 1997.