Larry Keith Elofson, 72, of Arlington, died during the early morning hours of May 21, 2023 in Fremont.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 1 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont from 5 to 7:30 p.m. A prayer service with the Rev. Scott Jensen will begin at 7:30 p.m.
A luncheon and Celebration of Life for Larry will be at the United Methodist Church in Wayne on Friday, June 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Arrangements are with Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont.
Larry was born on May 5, 1951 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - a date that family and friends would later celebrate annually as “Cinco De Larry.” He was the second child to his parents, Ruth and Melvin Elofson.
In Cedar Rapids, Larry lived in a house that his grandfather, Clarence, built until he was five years old. His family then moved to Wayne, where he grew up. Larry enjoyed growing up in Wayne with his brothers, Dean and Rick. He attended Wayne Community School where he met some of his lifelong friends. When asked if he played any sports, he would often joke, “well, I curled some 12 ounces.” After high school, Larry continued working at his parents store, Coast To Coast. He states it was then that he thought “there’s got to be more to life than working in the store.” So, at the age of 18, Larry started his 14-year career as a truck driver. Larry drove through the entire country and was able to explore every state in the US aside from Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii. His favorite state? Nebraska, of course. Larry’s heart was always in “the good life.”
Larry would travel frequently as a truck driver, sometimes away from home for months at a time. In 1978, he decided it was time to stay closer to home. He had a daughter, Jeannie, on the way that he wanted to be home for. His son, Jason, was then born in 1982. With a family at home, Larry decided it was time to retire from truck driving. It was then that he began working in transportation operations. Larry loved his job and he loved to work. In his own words, “...when you love what you do, it's not really a job.” Larry continued working in transportation operations until he retired on May 1, 2018. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and watching his grandkids play sports. Whenever Larry had family or friends over, he would often ask them to stay for “just one more.”
Larry struggled with his health most evidently in the last year. His family describes him as a fighter, he did not want to give up. He loved life and loved people. Larry was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather, and a friend to many. Friends and family describe Larry as hardworking, humorous, and the life of the party. He had a contagious smile and laugh, it was easy to have a good time with Larry around.
Survivors include his two children and their spouses, Jason and Amy Elofson, and Jeannie and Chris Ruszkowski; seven grandchildren; Kylie, Madison, Chloe, Adam, Ansley, Ian, and Averie; two brothers and sisters-in law, Dean and Nancy Elofson, and Rick and Lynnette Elofson; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Melvin Elofson.
