Larry Eugene Olds, age 69 of Zim, met his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in the care of Essentia-St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care in Duluth. He was born June 4, 1948, in Fern Township, Minnesota, the son of Earl and Ethel (Jewell) Olds and was the youngest of nine children. Larry attended schools in Chisholm, Long Beach, California, Eugene, Oregon and Toivola-Meadowlands.

In 1967, Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country as a corporal in the 1st Battalion-3rd Marine Division and Bravo Company-3rd AmTrac Battalion-1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War. Upon his return in 1969, Larry met the love of his life, Diane Ellis of Forbes. They were married March 3, 1973 in Virginia and later moved to Zim in 1976 where they raised their three children.

Larry was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Eveleth Mines for over 30 years. He was an active member in his community, serving on the McDavitt Volunteer Fire and EMS department for 28 years, 11 years of those years as Fire Chief. Larry was a MN state certified EMS and fire safety instructor for several years as well. Upon retirement, Larry served as the township grater operator as well as a co-organizer of the annual Zim & Forbes Community Memorial Day Program. Larry was a Life Member of the Crellin-Tini VFW Post #1113 of Virginia, a Life Member of the 3rd Marine Division, and an Honorary Life Member of the MN State Fire Department Association. Larry was an integral part of Happy Trails Tours assisting with numerous tours and travel shows. He was a member of Riverside Chapel in Forbes. He especially enjoyed serving as "Grandpa Larry" and groundskeeper during its annual vacation bible school program. Larry loved gardening, tinkering in his garage, traveling and Dairy Queen treats. He was an avid outdoorsman with a special passion for fishing and duck hunting. He had a servant's heart, a love for God and country, cared for those around him and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years: Diane Olds; daughters: Jeni (Chris) Dale of Chisago City, MN, Andi (Mike) Macenski of Chisholm, MN, and Cyndi (Kerry) Collins of Denver, CO; grandchildren: Deanna, Josie, and Spencer Dale, Alexis Macenski, Payton and Pepper Collins; siblings: Dolly Joubert of Anoka, Rose Gustafson of Sandstone, Clara (Bud) Herman of Superior, Betty (Jim) Eaton of Proctor, Lloyd (JoAnne) Olds of Meadowlands, and Beverly (Dan) Tkachenko of Anoka; father-in-law: Grant Ellis of Forbes; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Edward Olds and Violet Shepersky, and mother-in-law: Marge Ellis.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and his faithful dog, Rosie.

The Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in the McDavitt Township Hall. Pastor Mark Mathes and Pastor Lloyd Olds will preside. A Gathering Time for Family and Friends will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Town Hall. Spring inurnment will take place in the Forbes Cemetery.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Saturday April 14, 2018 , 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at McDavitt Township Hall

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday April 14, 2018 , 12:00 PM at McDavitt Township Hall

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Facts Born: June 4, 1948
Place of Birth: Fern Township, MN United States
Death: April 3, 2018
Place of Death: Duluth, MN United States
Occupation: Retired Heavy Equipment Operator for Eveleth Mines and McDavitt Township
Organizations: Riverside Chapel