Karlene Gayle Larson

1935 - 2024

Karlene Gayle (Olson) Larson

February 3, 1935 – May 31, 2024

GRAND ISLAND - Gayle Larson, age 89, of Grand Island, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024 at CHI St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 4th at 2pm at All Faiths Funeral Home with Dan Naranjo officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Visitation will begin at noon. Interment will take place at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences can be left at www.giallfaiths.com.

Karlene was born on February 3, 1935, in Ravenna, NE to Carl and Lillian Olson. She was lovingly raised in the Christian Faith by Ellsworth and Delpha Duncan in Ravenna. She had a natural ability for singing, harmonizing, and playing music at an early age.

On August 11, 1963, she married the love of her life Vernon "Smokey" Larson. They enjoyed many, many years together in the Grand Island area. They raised a blended family. During these years, Karlene worked as a caregiver. Smokey and Karlene started Smokey's Band playing accordions regularly for senior centers. They regularly played cards, went dancing and were members of the Eagles Club. Karlene was active in church, playing the organ and piano, and Bible studies. She enjoyed crocheting, crosswords, baking breads or desserts and antiques.

Those left to mourn her passing are her brother, Carl (Peggy) Olson of Phoenix; children, Janet (Dave) Starkey of Phillips, Kathy Higgins of Colorado Springs, Larry Larson of Grand Island, Cindy Springsteel of Grand Island, Vern Larson of Doniphan and Jay (Dave) Larson of Noblesville, IN; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Karlene was predeceased by all her parents; husband, Smokey; son, David Pugh; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.