Obituaries : Larry G. Ohlen

Larry G. Ohlen

BLAIRSTOWN – Larry G. Ohlen, 70, of rural Blairstown, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family after a 5-year battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Blairstown with Father Brian Dellaert as Celebrant. Visitation will be held at St. John’s on Monday, January 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. and also one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown.

Larry was born April 26, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of George H. and Louise L. Eckert Ohlen. He attended Blairstown High School.

On June 23, 1959, Larry was united in marriage with Darlene Schulte at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Watkins.

Larry was a lifelong farmer, retiring in February of 2003. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Blairstown. He served on the Coon Creek Telephone Board and as a Trustee for LeRoy Township. He enjoyed camping and riding his John Deere Gator.

Larry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Darlene, of Blairstown; one son, Craig Ohlen of Blairstown; one daughter, Kathy (Scott) Novotny of Newhall; five grandchildren: Jeremy Smith, Jessica Smith (Ryan Miller), Andrew Ohlen, and Ryan and Sarah Novotny; one great-grandchild, Liberty; one brother, Robert (Jean) Ohlen of Blairstown; one sister, Caren (Gene) Jarnagin of Eagan, MN; mother-in-law Mildred Schulte Sokol of Blairstown; and two sisters-in-law, Adeline Schmuecker and Donna (John) Heilman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Becky Ohlen Smith, on January 14, 2000; and a sister in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Larry and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.