Larry E. Ohlson

Larry E. Ohlson, dearly loved father and grandfather, passed away on January 11, 2010. Born January 9, 1933 in Rockford to the late Emmert A. and Dorothy E. (Schrock) Ohlson, and was preceded in death by both of his parents. Larry's quiet strength and unwavering support and love for his family will be forever missed. His family and his profession benefited from his high ethical and moral character. Larry graduated in 1951 from West High School, excelling in academics and athletics. Larry lettered in football, baseball, golf and basketball, and also participated in band and ROTC. He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Colorado at Boulder and studied there for two years. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Larry transferred to the University of Illinois and graduated in 1955 with a Political Science degree. From 1957-1960, Larry served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, graduating first in his class at the Air Force Intelligence school for officers. Upon graduation, he served as an Intelligence officer with the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. Larry married the former Rotraud Malchus of Ingelheim, Germany in 1960, sharing 32 wonderful years together until her death in 1992. Larry deeply grieved her passing and felt that Rotraud was "his finest hour." After returning to Rockford in 1960, Larry joined an Air Force reserve unit with the rank of Captain.  Larry earned a law degree from the University of Illinois in 1961, and in 1968 he received his Juris Doctorate degree.  Larry practiced law for 37 years in Rockford, 32 of them with David North, who he greatly respected as an attorney and also considered a special friend. Larry was a member of the Winnebago County Bar Association, serving in several offices, and in 1983-1984 served as President. Larry retired in 1998. Spending time with his family, traveling to Colorado to visit his grandchildren, enjoying a good book, and following the trials and tribulations of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears were among his favorite pastimes. Survivors include sons Dirk P. (Julia) Ohlson, and Eric L. Ohlson, both of Rockford; daughter Sara (Christopher) Carney, and grandchildren Samuel and Lauren Ro Carney, of Erie, Colorado; cousins Patricia Marston, Sandra Dobel, Mary Schrock all of Rockford, and Richard (Connie) Schrock of Madison, WI; special family friend Paty d'Angelo of Rockford; uncle Daniel Ohlson of San Jose, CA; friends and relatives of his late wife Rotraud living in Germany, including Dr. Karl (Luzie) Schopf of Nurnberg, Manfred (Helga) Keller, Dr. Thomas (Barbi) Moldner of Bad Wimpfen; Attorney Gottfried Malchus of Pirmasens, Willi (Natalie) Henske of Ingelheim-Rhein. Larry was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Anna Malchus, who lived with his family in Rockford for over thirty years.  Memorial service Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Pastor Lee Laaveg officiating. Visitation from 2:00 until time of service in the funeral home. A private burial will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Salvation Army C/O Larry Ohlson Memorial, 500 South Rockford Ave., Rockford, IL  61104.