Larry Charles Olson

Larry Charles Olson, 66, Tappen, passed away unexpectedly on May 27, 2018 on the family farm.   A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 255 Columbia Ave, Tappen, ND, with Rev. Gerhardt Juergens officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00pm - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 30 with a prayer service starting at 7pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tappen, ND.   Larry Charles Olson was born on April 18, 1952 in Jamestown to Russell and Florence Olson.  Larry grew up on the family farm in Valley Township south of Tappen.  He attended country school which was 2.5 miles from his home for the elementary years and graduated from Tappen High School in 1970.  He attended North Dakota State University for one semester and then returned to the family farm where he continued to live until his death.  On May 29, 1976 Larry married Deborah Kinnischtzke in Tappen.  They were blessed with two children, Justin and Ashley.  Through the years he was able to take trips that included going to Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, and many different parts of the country but always was ready to come back to the farm. For the past 15 years he took great pride in being able to farm alongside his son.    In Larry’s younger years he enjoyed going to and competing in horse shows.  Larry and his dad also started a business building stock trailers.  Through it all, his passion was his cattle, in which he took great pride.  In 1998 Larry and Deb were awarded the Rancher of the Year through the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. For many years, Larry played pool during the winter months.  He also served on various community boards which included the township, school board, church council, and most recently the water commission of Valley Township.   Larry is survived by his beloved family, which includes his wife Debbie; his son, Justin (Janna) Olson of Tappen; his daughter, Ashley (Derrick) Klocke of Decorah, IA; his grandchildren, Logan, Gavin and Raegan Olson and Nora and Samuel Klocke, who he enjoyed very much; his sisters, Beryl Younkin of Cleveland, OH and Fran (Woody) Folstad of Harwood, ND and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.