Obituary of Edgar Ole Larson

Dr. Edgar Ole Larson, age 96, died peacefully at his home in Boone on Saturday, November 18th. He was attended in his final days by his sons and family friends. Mr. Larson was born April 13, 1921 to Oscar W. and Clara Weik Larson of Wausau, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Gardia Louise (Nelson) Larson and three older brothers, Oscar, Robert and Roger. He is survived by sons Stephen and special friend Celia; Erik and his two companions, Zeppo and Chico; and Chris and wife Meliss Garramcne. There are also numerous extended family members. A memorial service will be held for Dr. Larson at 1:00 p.m. on December 9th at Grace Lutheran Church where he was a long time member. A reception to receive friends will be held by the family immediately following the service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Mr. Larson received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He went to receive a masters degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. His undergraduate days were interrupted by four years service during WWII from 1942 until 1946. Mr. Larson was a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. Hiws three brothers also served in WWII. Always an accomplished and championship level athlete, Mr. Larson pursued this in his educational, professional and personal life. He was a professor/coach at Northern Montana State College in Havre, Montana. He was a professor/swimming coach at Valparaiso University in Indiana. Dr. Larson became a member of the Appalachian State University family upon moving to Boone in 1968. He came to ASU as a professor/mens swimming coach. He retired from the University in 1985 as Chair of the Health and Physical Sciences Department. Retirement brought opportunities for Ole and Gardia to travel extensively in their 5th wheeler with a trip to Alaska being one especially memorable experience. Ole had a motto when travelling-pay attention, be astonished and talk about it. Retirement also ushered in an amazing 30-year competitive swimming journey. Mr. Larson trained tirelessly for Masters swimming and Senior Olympic events at the state and national levels. He was five times the U.S. Masters All American and five times the N.C. Masters Swimmer of the Year. He is the holder of dozens of records in various age groups, swimming strokes and distances and his family has more medals than they can count. Mr. Larson was the first to coach the Watauga County swim team helping many young people enjoy the sport. Two of Coach Larsons proudest achievements were his induction into the Appalachian State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Huntsman World Games Hall of Fame in 2016. Mr. Larson made 17 consecutive appearances at the Huntsman Games in Saint George, Utah. Mr. Larson was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family and those whose lives he touched during his lifetime. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran World Relief Fund, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230 Online condolences may be shared with the Larson family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Larson family.