Florence, WI. — Larry P. Olson, Korean and Vietnam War veteran, aged 85, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Oscar G. Johnson VA Hospital in Iron Mountain, Mich., after battling complications with lung cancer.

Born and raised in Florence, Wisconsin, Larry was the son of the late Edwin Olson and Lucille Lawrentz (Meyers). His mother Lucille, later remarried Larry’s step father, Woodrow Lawrentz. In 1948, when Larry was 17 years old, he enlisted in the Army. His first duty station was with the 25th Infantry Division in Japan. While stationed in Japan, his unit was deployed to Pusan, South Korea, under combat conditions. Larry was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, after he bravely crawled up a hill to supply ammo to a unit that was pinned down by enemy fire. In 1968, during a tour in Vietnam, he received his second Bronze Star.

After his deployment to Korea, Larry returned stateside to Camp Roberts in California. He was sent abroad again soon after, serving two tours in Germany and a second tour in South Korea in 1957. In 1962, he was appointed Warrant Officer of Food Service. In 1966, he was deployed to Vietnam. Four years later, in 1970, he retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer with honors.

Following his long and distinguished career in the military, Larry returned to his hometown, Florence, where he remained for the rest of his life. He managed the Chippewa Club from 1970 to 1975, and worked with Florence Motor Sales. Larry also worked as Florence County zoning administrator for ten years until he retired in 1993.

He was an outdoorsman his whole life; he loved hunting and fishing, and also enjoyed playing golf in his free time. He was a family man, a member of the local VFW, and an active member in his community.

Larry was much loved by his family and friends. He was a Good Samaritan who would drop whatever he was doing to help someone in need. All those who knew him, knew he was a man of rare character; a good man whose service to his country, and generosity will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Philomena Olson; his two sons, Michael L. Olson and wife Hui Suk Olson, Woodrow B. Olson and wife Linda Tuma; his brother, James Olson and wife Rose; and two grandchildren, Alexander Olson and Sylvia Weidman.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. The VFW Post No. 3635 and the American Legion Post No. 211 of Florence will accord Military Honors, Thursday, 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. The Funeral Service will be Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Doug Johnson will officiate.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence to honor Larry’s Legacy of Life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Larry or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com