Larry E. Olson

Larry E. Olson, 80, of Clarion passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Memorial services for Larry Olson will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Those who attend are invited to bring a lawn chair, and will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines.

Larry Eugene was born on April 23, 1940 in Clarion to Russell and Lenora (Churchill) Olson. Larry grew up on a farm near Rowan. He was the sixth of ten children. Larry attended Rowan school and graduated from Rowan High School in 1958. He enjoyed sports, playing basketball and baseball, and was in his class drama plays.

Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He was trained as a communication specialist and was stationed at SAC Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha and at Goose Bay Air Force Base, Labrador. Following his military service, Larry returned to farm in Dayton Township until retirement.

He married Carrie Ann Richardson on August 30, 1959 at the Clarion Church of Christ, celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary last August. They raised three children: Annette, Brian, and Beth.

Larry was baptized a member of Clarion Church of Christ and served as deacon for many years. He was also a member of Clarion Jaycees and became involved in politics. He enjoyed discussions and debates. Larry served on Wright County Board of Supervisors for 32 years and also served on Wright County Public Health, Wright County Economic Development, Wright County 911 Communication Board, Wright County Opportunities, and National Association of County Economic Development Committee.

He enjoyed going on family vacations and fishing trips, wintering in Arizona, traveling, golfing and playing games with family and friends.

Larry was a devoted husband. His family was his joy. His grandchildren were a treasure to him, as were his many lifelong friends. Honesty and fairness were qualities he admired most in individuals. He felt God had blessed his 80 years.

Larry is survived by his wife Carrie Ann; daughters Annette (Dave) Odland and Beth (Steve) Jackson; son Brian Olson; grandchildren Andrew (Katie) Odland, Cara Odland, Colin Odland, Dylan Jackson, Blake Jackson, Kennedy Jackson, and Max Olson; great-grandchildren Jack and Lydia Odland; brothers David (Nancy) Olson of Lake St. Louis, MO and Dan (Rhonda) Olson of Lake City, FL; sister-in-law Joann Olson of Clarion; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Lenora Olson; and siblings Jack, Nancy, Dennis, Sandra, Colleen, Ron, and Richard.