Gary Lee Larson

FUNERAL HOME

Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park

5725 Littlerock Road SW

Olympia, Washington

Gary Larson Obituary

Gary Lee Larson

Gary Lee Larson died suddenly at his home in Olympia, Washington on April 16, 2011. Just prior to his demise Gary, Carol and sister Anne had returned from an enjoyable Caribbean cruise and a trip by Gary and Carol to Disney World.
Throughout his life Gary heartily embraced life and gave joy, laughter, loyalty, and love to all who knew him. There was no more avid Green Bay Packer fan than Gary. Always ready with a family or Norwegian story he frequently had his company in tears of laughter.
Especially entertaining were his stories of adventures on the farm with Cousin Wendell Ranney.
After many years of being a bachelor Gary met the love of his life, Carol Morehead. They married on October 16, 1999. Gary became a part of his wife's family and was truly loved by his daughters. Some of his proudest moments were with his daughters: being embraced by Sherry and her family; Melissa calling him "Dad"; and walking Jennifer down the aisle at her wedding.
Gary took great interest in the doings of his nieces and nephews. The involvement of the grandchildren in his life was always precious to him. He enjoyed reading stories, playing with his boys and going to school events. The siblings stayed in touch regularly by phone and during Gary and Carol's yearly visits to Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Gary was born on October 10, 1943 in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Louis and Edith Larson. He was raised there with his sisters Karen, Anne, and his brother Steven. After graduating from Menomonie High in 1961 Gary served in the US Navy. Upon his return home Gary attended UW Stout and received a bachelors and masters degree. He also worked in computer programming, vocational rehabilitation training, real estate and as a Menomonie Police officer. He moved to Washington where he worked for the State in Vocational Rehabilitation until his retirement.
Gary is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Sherry (David) Carlson-DeMoss, Jennifer (Dave) Hill, and Melissa Morehead; grandchildren, Daniel Carlson-DeMoss, Sam and Zack Hill; sisters, Anne Schleusner and Karen (Michael) Williams; brother, Steven (Candace) Larson; nieces and nephews, Nathan (Andrea) Williams, Noah (Melissa) Williams, Eve Williams, Kallie (Gene) Schabert, Luke Schleusner, Anthony Larson, Stephanie Larson, and Stuart Larson.
Preceding Gary in death were his parents, Edith and Louis Larson; and his brother-in-law Thomas Schleusner.
Funeral Services will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral home in Tumwater, WA, on Friday, April 22 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-8 PM.
As Gary would have said, "Uff Da!"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian on Apr. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Larson

13 Entries

Loris Gies

April 27, 2011

So sorry; it is a difficult time for you and he will be missed. Gary was a great addition to the L&I family. Gary was a great guy. He and Mark were such good buddies. Ran into them a while back down at the Red Wind--sad to know they are both gone; but bet they are having a great time together.

Carol Kromer

April 22, 2011

Gary will be missed he was always so happy and nice.He sure loved his family. I'll never forget how squeaky cheese curds are.

Pat Bartley

April 22, 2011

You were always willing to share your cheese curds from Wisconsin. You will missed, Cheesehead!

April 22, 2011

It is difficult to say goodbye to such a positive, genuinely nice person. Gary will truly be missed.

Marilyn Kern

Mary Kaempfe

April 21, 2011

Lars, thanks for the memories and laughs!! Carol, you are the best thing to ever happen to Gary. He just lit up when he talked about you...which was often. May God bless and keep him and you.

Anne Overby

April 21, 2011

Hi Lars: I really enjoyed sharing good times with you--going over to CWSC homecoming and the western art shows. Sitting on those hard bleachers at St. Martin's college during the cold, long winters watching basketball and then Tacoma Rainiers. Such great times! I also enjoyed your Halloween costumes, which greatly improved with Carol's creativity! It is all too soon, buddy. I am glad you had a good time on the cruise. Carol, please know he will always be with you.

Dennis Oborne

April 21, 2011

Gary was a friend and regular lunchmate from the time I started at L&I 5 years ago until his retirement. His humor, stories and love for his family supplied many memorable moments. From his service days in Iceland, his experiences as a policeman, ice fishing, cheese curdles, the Packers and family exploits were legendary at the "voc" table, where, as a core member,"double-secret probation" took on a whole new meaning. We miss you my friend.

David Overby

April 21, 2011

Only in heaven can a devoted Green Bay Packers fan get away with wearing a Chicago Bears jacket. Say "Hi" to Mark. Eat lots of cheese curds. Rest in peace.

Lu Carlson

April 21, 2011

I met Gary (Lars) in 1987 when I started working at L&I. We became instant friends. He and I were from Wisconsin and we both attended the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). We never met at UNC, but I'm sure we passed in the hallway. Lars helped me move into the house I currently live in on April 15, 1990. We hauled five loads in my pickup truck that day. He could always be counted on to help.

Prior to his retirement, my work schedule always included stopping by his cubicle for an upadate on his life, words of wisdom, and the Packers. Gary was a fortunate man to have found a wonderful woman like Carol. I never thought he'd ever get married. Boy was I wrong. He deserved and got the best!

Gary called me last Friday to tell me all about his trip to the caribbean and Disney World. He was so excited and happy. I never envisioned that would be our last conversation. I will miss your smile and stories.

Farwell my good friend! God Bless!

April 20, 2011

I remember when I first met Gary, he came ramblin in to the Seattle L & I office, I think during an icy winter of 1985, we seemed to become friends right away even though we had totally different personalities. Gary was a good guy, always happy, a friend for many years, did many things, sporting events, goofing around, just talking, looking at cars, etc. He always wanted to find a nice woman to settle down with and finally did with Carol. You will be missed by many but you are now onto the next step...heaven and can also joke around with Mark Jacobson who recently passed on too.

Betty Styger

April 20, 2011

Gary was one of the nicest people I knew. He was always happy and a conversation with him was always lively. We liked to watch ball games together. He will be greatly missed.

Todd Wiley

April 20, 2011

Gary always had a smile to greet you and good cheer to share. His stories reflected his love of family, friends, and life's adventures. That spirit will live on in the lives Gary touched.

Christina

April 20, 2011

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

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