Oliviene “Ollie” Larson died peacefully November 6th at the New Homestead Living Community in Guthrie Center. She was 94. Oliviene Mae Wiese was born on February 19, 1929, to Clara (Friedrichsen) and Fred Wiese near Templeton, IA.
When her family moved to rural Guthrie Center in 1946, she was unable to finish her senior year of high school at Guthrie Center because of the traveling distance. In 1947, Ollie moved to town and was a waitress at Cronk’s Café, living in an apartment above the café. She worked in Chicago that summer at the Ball Jar factory with her older sister Velma and a friend. Ollie returned to Guthrie Center, continuing to work in town.
One day, Ollie and some friends were sitting in a booth at Cronk’s Café when Ollie felt paper wads landing in her hair. Ollie turned around to see the culprit and it was a tall, dark-haired, handsome young man. Ollie didn’t know who he was, and was not impressed. She would later see this young man at various places, such as the ice rink. He seemed to be wherever Ollie was. She found out that his name was Ivan “Ike” Larson. Ike continued to talk with Ollie whenever he had the chance. One day Ollie was about to cross the street when Ike pulled over in his Model A, blocking Ollie’s path. He then asked her for a date. Ollie smiled and said yes. The night Ike proposed to Ollie, he asked, but kissed her before she could answer. Ike slid the ring on her finger during the kiss. Ike often came to town to see Ollie. When Ike couldn’t make the trip, he’d write Ollie letters—quite the romantic.
Ike and Ollie were married on March 14th, 1948, at the Lutheran Church in Harlan. They began farming that year on land that Ike’s father purchased for Ike, which was part of the original Sloss Family homestead. Their farmhouse was located on a dirt road nearly half-a-mile from a gravel road. Their livestock inventory that year was a dairy cow and calf, a dozen laying hens from Ike’s parents, and 15 feeder chickens from a neighbor. Their first corn harvest was done by hand by both Ike and Ollie, using a two-horse team and a wooden-spoked wagon. Three weeks after that first harvest, their son Jack Ivan was born on November 30th. Ike and Ollie continued farming together. Five years later, son Gary Lee was born on April 27th. Jack and Gary started helping on the farm at an early age. A strong work ethic was impressed upon their sons. Ike’s and Ollie’s livestock operation grew to include up to 300 laying hens and feeder chickens, 10 dairy cows, and a small sow herd. Skimping, saving, and hard work allowed Ike and Ollie to expand their farm. They purchased Ike’s parents’ farm in 1965 after Ike’s father’s death. After that, the Larson farming operation continued to grow into what it is today. When Jack was in college and Gary was in junior high, Ollie earned her high school diploma from Guthrie Center. Ike and Ollie proudly put Jack and Gary through college, both graduating from Iowa State.
Ike and Ollie enjoyed dancing, bowling, playing pinochle, and pitch. Ollie loved to play the organ, and have the family fill the house for holidays. She actively participated and volunteered at church. Ollie doted on each of her grandchildren. All of them spent countless days and nights with their Grandma Ollie, creating wonderful memories—even in her last days. Ollie had a way of making each of her grandkids feel loved and special. No one was more excited to become a great grandmother than Ollie, starting with Rylee and Gavin. Ollie crocheted intricate works of art. Her doilies, which numbered in the hundreds, were second to none. Family and friends would often receive a doily or two during a visit. Ollie entertained with her endless supply of jokes. That sparkle in her eyes and sly smile let others know she had one ready. Ollie kept telling jokes until her final day.
Ollie, a gifted storyteller with an impressive attention to detail, kept her audience’s interest as she passed on the family’s history. Ollie’s generosity started at the kitchen table. Everyone ate like royalty, as Ollie cooked and baked from scratch. She even made special dishes for each of her beloved grandchildren. Ollie took pride in her gardening. Nothing went to waste. Ollie was known for keeping her house and homestead looking impeccable. Ollie’s one vice was playing the slot machines. She and Ike went often. Jack and Gary enjoyed taking their mom to the casino. Several of Ollie’s grandchildren also had a great time at the casino with their lucky grandma.
Oliviene was preceded in death by: husband Ike and son Jack; her parents; and siblings Velma Burkey, Harold Wiese, Leroy Wiese, Lorriene Wolfe, Wilbur Wiese, and Mary Mayberry.
Oliviene is survived by: son Gary (Angie) Larson of Tama; grandchildren Carrie (Darin) Sloss of Guthrie Center; Erin (Pete) Smith of Phoenix; Lindsay (Isaac) Fones of St. Paul; Jennifer (John) Miller of Ramstein, Germany; Julie (Jacob) Meyer of Grinnell; Jon (Sara) Larson of Lisbon, IA; and Travis (Anastasia) Larson of Norway, IA. She also is survived by her great-grandchildren Rylee (Kolby Jacobe) and Gavin Sloss; Tillie, Roger, and Paul Smith; Lily and Violet Fones; Eleanor and Maggie Miller; Brody, Jana, and Rayna Meyer; Grant and Weston Larson; Adeline and Gabriel Larson. Oliviene is survived by her brother Wilfred (Iris) Wiese of Vancouver, WA; sister Marge Eastman of Omaha; Luella Bostick of Portland, OR; Elvera Hollibaugh of Kendall, WI; sister-in-law LuAnn (Paul) Randleman of Ankeny; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on November 9th at Twigg Funeral Home in Guthrie Center. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 10th, at the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be at Dalmanutha Cemetery in rural Guthrie County.
The family would like to thank Dr. Steve Bascom, Dr. David Ahrens, and the staff at the Guthrie County Hospital and The New Homestead for their outstanding and loving care of Ollie.
Memorials can be made to Dalmanutha Cemetery and the First Christian Church.
