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Larry Olesen
LARRY K. OLESEN
Iowa City
Larry K. Olesen, 76, of Iowa City, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018, surrounded by family at Lantern Park Care Center in Coralville. A gathering to celebrate Larry's life will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or the American Red Cross.
Larry was born into very meager means on Jan. 21, 1942, in Streator, Ill., the son of Burton and Lucille (Elias) Olesen. He entered into the Air Force in 1960 and served his country honorably, receiving several medals and commendations. His life changed when he met Marge Smith. They were married on Feb. 20, 1962, in Altus, Okla.
He was very proud of his roots and his country. He was proud of the opportunities it gave a poor nobody from nowhere to serve his country, be educated on the GI Bill, have a career as a national sales manager and raise a beautiful family with Marge. He retired from RTP Co. in 2000, and enjoyed a wonderful retirement with his family and wintering with great friends in Maui, Hawaii. He was also an avid collector of Native American artifacts. Larry was known for his storytelling, some of which were true. He was always in host mode and strived to make everyone comfortable at any time. He was a champion of those most in need and was always willing to help.
He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom he loved to share his story, to inspire them that they could accomplish anything in their lives, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Marge; and his children, Natalie (Scott) Windy of Peru, Ill., Brian (Michele) of Iowa City and Jeffrey (Blanca) of Conroe, Texas. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Camron Windy (TJ Prey), Ty Windy (Tiphanie), Madison (Mitch) Wantock, Mickala Olesen, Michael Olesen, Matthew Olesen, Katherine Olesen (Jake Rimer), Kody Olesen and Adam Olesen and five great-grandchildren, Macklin Brady, Lyla Brady, Tatum Windy, Macy Wantock and Sawyer Rimer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol; and brother, Scott.
Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.
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