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Larry J. Olmstead

Larry J. Olmstead

WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – Larry Olmstead, 81, of Webster City, Iowa, died Saturday, June 29, 2013, at the Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City.

Larry J. Olmstead, son of Forest and Anna Olmstead, was born Oct. 15, 1931, at Penrose. He received his education in Sterling and attended Bradley University in Peoria. He then joined the U.S. Air Force. He married Janice Peterson April 29, 1951, at Rock Falls. The couple resided in England while Larry served with the Air Force. After his discharge, they resided in Sterling, Dubuque, Iowa, and Forest City, Iowa. In Forest City, they owned and operated a bowling alley. In 1968, they moved to Webster City, where he worked as sales manager for Nissen and Son Packing Company and Dunn’s Super Valu and, finally, Huisken Meats until his retirement.

There weren’t many things in life that Larry didn’t enjoy doing. He couldn’t start a day without reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee. He was always the first to join for a road trip, whether it was to a grandchild’s sporting event, visiting family, or just running errands. Larry didn’t care where the trip would lead as long as he had his Milroy’s Tuxedo cup. Larry never met a stranger, and if you were, by the end of the conversation he was your friend for life.

Known to several of his grandchildren as “Pops,” Larry was their biggest fan, not just when they created art, performed a dance, ran a 5K, were recognized as valedictorian, competed at a golf tournament, defended our country, set a record or two in high school, or set his VCR timer. Until his last days, one of his favorite hobbies was golfing with his golf partner, Jeanne. He was a member of First Congregational UCC and American Legion.

Larry is survived by son and daughter-in-law, David and Sheri Olmstead of Englewood, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Brenda Boyington of Williams; daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Ron Epps of Webster City; grandchildren, Tiffany and Frank Hicks, Patrick and Jessi Olmstead, Amanda and Dave Braun, Christie and Jim Halliday, Toni Epps, Kayleigh and Adam Weig, and Ronni and Joey Arnold; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Kennedy Olmstead, Cori Braun, and Brynley and Kasyn Weig; brother, Jack Olmstead; sisters-in-law, Penny Eirschele, Patricia Peterson, Karen Miner and Sandy (Denny) Walrath; brothers-in-law, Jack (Mary) Peterson, Doug (Nancy) Peterson and Denny (Sharon) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sons, John C. Olmstead in 1986 and Richard C. Olmstead in 1998; grandson, Eric Olmstead in 2000; brother, Forest Olmstead; and sister, Ruth Howard.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Foster Chapel in Webster City, with Jay Amunson, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center in Webster City, and prior to the service on Wednesday.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by his military family. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Webster City.