Larry Odean Larson

Larry Odean Larson, age 82 of Blanchardville, died on Saturday, November 17, 2018 surrounded by his family.  Larry was born on November 2, 1936 in Monroe to Palmer and Cindy (Olson) Larson.  He grew up and went to school in Blanchardville, graduating from the Blanchardville High School in 1955.  He attended the UW-Platteville for several years.  While in college he met Sharon Louise Sowl at a dance in Mount Horeb at Club 18. They were married on September 29, 1962.  Larry worked at Bowman Dairy in Madison for several years, then worked at Madison Newspapers as a district circulation manager.  He left the newspaper in 1982 when he and Sharon purchased the Hitching Post bar and grill in Blanchardville.  Larry was an avid baseball player and fan and was a great follower of the Blanchardville Bullets and the New York Yankees.  He played for the Bullets, but the team was faltering in the early-70's, and Larry got the team reorganized and revitalized at that time, managing the team for a couple years after that and then continuing playing.  Larry also refereed high school basketball games all around southern Wisconsin.  They operated the bar until 1994.  Larry was also a rural mail carrier for 18 years in Blanchardville, New Glarus and Monticello.  After he retired, he worked for Par-Mar Security working UW Sporting events, and bartended at the Edelweiss Golf Course.  Larry served as the Blanchardville Village Assessor for many years and served on the village board.  He was also a great fan of Pecatonica High School athletics.  He was a loving grandfather and loved following the grandchildren in their high school and college events.

Larry is survived by his wife Sharon Larson of New Glarus; three sons, Kevin (Heidi) Larson of Monroe, Kurt (Brandy) Larson of Beloit, and Kris (Sandy) Larson of Fitchburg; 5 grandchildren, Liam, Mason, Olivia, Zachary (Jensyn), and Jennifer; one sister, Laura "Lolly" Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Vernus Larson and DeLyle Olson; a brother-in-law Walter Johnson; a sister-in-law Patricia Olson; and a brother-in-law Charles Sowl.

A visitation for Larry will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at Blanchard Hall at 206 South Main Street in Blanchardville.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Blanchardville United Methodist Church in Blanchardville.  Pastor Lorri McGranahan will officiate.  Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville.  A funeral lunch and fellowship will follow at Blanchard Hall.  The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.