Larry Edward Olson

Honoring the Life of Larry: Larry Edward Olson of Coon Rapids, MN went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 20, 2023, at Our Lady of Peace in St Paul MN. Larry was born on August 29, 1944, in Baudette MN to Lars and Mildred Olson. He grew up on a farm in Williams, MN. He met Carol in 1963 (at his sister’s wedding), they married in August of 1964, and they resided in Williams. Their first 5 years of marriage, to provide for his family, he worked at Marvin Windows, Polaris, and he cut pulp. That is where they started expanding their family, and Deb and Doreen were born. In the Spring of 1970, they moved to Chisholm MN where Larry started working for Nomeco Building in Hibbing. Soon came along another child which is the “favorite”, Darren (inside family joke). They bought their first home in Balkan Township and lived there for several years. Eventually Larry built a beautiful home in the city of Chisholm. A move to Fargo, ND in 1985 brought him to working for Retro Builders. In 2004 they ended up in St. Cloud, MN. He retired in 2011. Larry joined as a MAPS Volunteer in 2011 and traveled to different churches, helping with building projects. His biggest contribution was spearheading the dining facility at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. With the many friendships he made, and watching lives being transformed, he always said it was one of the most meaningful tasks God had given him. Larry and Carol were able to enjoy a few winters in Arizona. In 2017 Larry was diagnosed with COPD stage 4, which eventually led him to step down from volunteering. He loved projects, snowmobiling, gardening, making yard art, playing cards, and board games with his family and friends. Some of their most memorable trips were snowmobiling out West. Larry was very giving, he would help anyone, at any time, and he never expected anything in return. He was a true gem and will be greatly missed! Larry is preceded in death by his parents Lars and Mildred Olson, survived by his wife Carol Olson, he has 3 children Deb Olson (Coon Rapids), Doreen and Curtis Mackey (Hopkins), Darren and Maisa Olson (Blaine). He has seven grandchildren, Trevor Blaine (St. Francis), Rani Olson (Coon Rapids), Derik and Victoria Mackey (Eden Prairie), Noah Mackey (Hopkins), Sarida Olson (Montana), Sieayla and Cruz Olson (Blaine) and one great grandchild, Harper Blaine. He has two sisters, Lois Wilmer (Fergus Falls), Joanne Eldridge (Milaca), many nieces and nephews. The visitation will begin at 10:00am followed by the funeral service at 12:00pm Saturday September 30th, 2023. Services will be held at Artisan Church in Blaine, MN.