Lawrence 'Larry' Olson

The funeral for Lawrence (Larry) Eugene Olson will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on: Friday, October 20th, 2017 at 2 o‘clock in the afternoon. Pastor Erica Cunningham will be the officiant. Following the service, the burial will be held at Graceland Cemetary. The visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19th, 2017 at Bonnerup Funeral Home in Albert Lea from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m as well as one hour prior to the service. Bonnerup Funeral Home is in charge on arrangements.

Lawrence (Larry) Eugene Olson of Albert Lea, was born December 26, 1930 in Albert Lea to Lawrence Peter Olson and Lillian Myrtle Rasmussen. He was 86 years old when he died peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Larry lived his entire life in Albert Lea and attended grade school at Northside. He then went on and graduated from Albert Lea High School. While attending high school, he worked at National Tea when he met his wife of 67 years, Charlotte Maurine Marpe of Mansfield.

The two were united in marriage June 3rd, 1950 @ Mansfield Lutheran Church. The two were blessed with one son, Leslie in 1955. They loved to travel, ride motorcycles and snowmobiles. The couple especially enjoyed going dancing with friends.

Larry was in the State Guard and also worked at Boyd & Jacks as well as had his own gun shop at his home. He started in Tool & Dye at Scotsman’s, then was a tool engineer until retirement on March 31, 1989. Over the years, he had earned many awards and certificates for his works.

Larry learned to fly in 1950, and continued until mid 2017. He and his wife, Charlotte loved flying and would often go to flight breakfasts in different towns. He was 1 of 2,000 recipients in the United States to be honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award in 2010. He was given the award for flying for 50 years without incident. Larry was the oldest pilot flying in Albert Lea.

Along with his love for his wife and flying, he was an avid hunter, trap shooter, and woodworker. He loved to take pictures, and did so often. He had a love for music and enjoyed playing the accordion and organ. Most of all, Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Larry is survived by: Wife: Charlotte (Albert Lea), Son: Les (Ute) Olson (Albert Lea), Grandchildren: Jeff (Tia) Long (Florida), Jessica (Brad) Tietz (New Prague), Stefanie (Jason) Wellentin (Lonsdale), Dani Olson (Albert Lea). Great Grandchildren: Isaiah, Hunter, Zoey, Thea, Ike, Ruby, Daisy, Louise, Lilly, Jace, Ella, Leighton, and 1 on the way. As well as several nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by his father: Lawrence, mother: Lillian, step mother: Lanie, step sister: Beatrice, brothers in law: Charles & Elmer (Maurita), sister in law: Beatrice (Harold), nephew: Bill.