GERALD FRANCIS "JERRY" LARSON was born November 28, 1920, at Newman Grove, NE, to Carl and Mary (Olson) Larson.  Jerry passed away Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the Golden Living Center in Tekamah, NE, following a brief illness, at the age of 89 years.

Jerry was baptized January 9, 1921, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove, where he was later confirmed.  He remained a member of the Lutheran Faith.  Jerry attended elementary school District # 57 in Platte County, NE. He graduated from Newman Grove High School in May 1938.  Jerry worked at various jobs following graduation until he was called into the Army on July 20 1942.

Jerry was stationed at Ft. Eustis, VA, until being shipped to Holland and joined the 99th Infantry Division on March 1, 1945, and then went to the city of Cologne.  On March 10, 1945, his division crossed the Remagen Bridge. The next morning as they sat on the top of the hill with their rifles in their laps, a chaplain led them in worship. He served in France and Germany during the Army of Occupation.

On March 10, 1946, he returned home to farm with his dad and brother, Don. In 1949, he went to work as a line man for Consumers Public Power.  But then was called up to again serve his country in Korea in September of 1950. While serving in the 2nd Infantry Division, heavy mortar squad, 38th division, just south of the 38th parallel, he hurt his back and was sent to Japan to recuperate.  Returning to Korea, he served with the 724th Railway Operating Battalion in Pusan returning to the States in July 1951.

After serving his second stint in the Army, he returned to work with Consumers Public Power, which later became NPPD.  His first assignment was to Harvard, NE, where he met Marian Yost who became his bride on April 5, 1952, at the United Church of Christ in Harvard. He became the proud father of Norman Larson.  He worked at many communities while he was a lineman and they lived at Norfolk and Ponca.  Later they lived for longer periods of time at Oakland, Tekamah, Creighton and Seward.  He was always active in the communities where he lived.  He served on many boards and was happy to serve the churches and communities. In October 2003, they returned to Tekamah to be close to Mickey and Norm.  He was most proud of his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his God, his church and his family. Blessed be his memory among us and give strength to those who mourn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin infant brothers, Carl and Dale; and brother-in- law, Art Boettcher.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Marian of Tekamah; son, Norman and wife, Mickey, of Tekamah;  2 grandchildren, Deanna Larson, MD of Omaha, NE, Tim Larson and wife, Kris, of  St. Joseph, MO; 4 great grandchildren, Morgan of Omaha, Grace, Eleanor and Timothy (TJ) of  Saint Joseph; brothers, Donald Larson wife, Lois, of Dakota City, NE, Lyle Larson and wife, Melba, of  Washington, MA; sisters, Elinor Boettcher of Newman Grove, Janet Atkinson and husband, Jim, of Albion, NE; a host of nieces and nephews; family and friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah.

VISITATION: Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 1- 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation Wednesday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15 and VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 .

MEMORIALS: To the Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelanfuneralservices@hotmail.com