Larry Dean Olson Sr.

Larry Dean Olson Sr. was born January 8, 1944, to Virgil and Donna in Sioux City, IA, where he lived and attended school until 1962 when he joined the Navy. His commission was on the USS Kearsarge where he served until 1968. Upon his return home he worked in an auto repair shop for a short time before moving to Minnesota to go to work for the Burlington Northern railroad in 1969. Larry worked his way up to a crane operator for the railroad which took him all over the country on the rails. He retired from the railroad in 2004 after 35 years of service. He then did odd jobs including driving line haul truck for Priority Express, Guaranteed roofing and others. In 1970 he met Dona Thompson while in town having a beer at the Rainbow Bar. They were married in 1974 and from their loving union came Donie, Dennetta and Larry Jr.. Larry lost the love of his life for over 40 years in 2012 when Dona died. Larry is survived by his sister Vicki of Lemars, IA, his son's Donie of Sioux Falls, Larry Jr. of Sioux Falls, and Andrew of Sioux Falls, grandchildren: Jordan, Jace, Dillion, Jeydon and Alexis, great grandchildren: Damien, Adelaide, Nora Ann, Avalon, Milo and Veda, also his companion Sandra Hagen of Sioux Falls. He is preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Donna, his wife Dona, brother Dan, infant son Duane and daughter Dennetta. Larry was a talker. He would sit for hours with friends, family or strangers he'd just met telling stories and sharing his unique laugh with everyone. He loved going to the campground with his wife and family in the summer. The more time spent with his kids and grandkids the better. The pontoon was always a favorite on a hot summer day. The kids on a tube in the water and the adults on the deck having a beer and conversation and always one of his unfiltered cigarettes he smoked in his mouth. In his spare time, he liked to tinker on anything with a motor, his favorite project being his 1941 Ford Deluxe, which he then loved to drive. Driving was a passion for Larry, he'd drive anywhere no matter how far or how long it would take. Sometimes riding with him was a terrifying experience for the passengers, but he either didn't notice or didn't care. He never sat still for long. He'd go to the garage and work on something or go help someone else to work on their project. His sense of humor was all his. Sometimes you got the joke, other times it was lost on everyone but even then it was always worth it to hear them and hear him laugh. Larry loved life and was well loved in his life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held 10 AM, Monday, October 23, 2023 at Heritage Funeral Home with Inurnment at the South Dakota State Veteran's Cemetery.