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 60th 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.