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Wayne Lyle Larson, of Fremont, NE, died in his sleep and went to heaven on November 18, 2024, at the age of 93 ½. He was born March 14, 1931, to Florence Mildred Anderson Larson (1904-2003) and Clarence Raymond Larson (1901-1989) in Central City, NE.

Wayne grew up in Central City (1949 grad) along with his future wife, Janet Arlene Crites. They went to Hastings College together and were engaged to be married, before Wayne left for the Korean War for 2 years (1952-1954.) Wayne was a communications sergeant in the Army and approached his time abroad as one of the best things that ever happened to him, because he learned that he could do so much more than he ever thought, and he got to see the world.

When Wayne returned, he married Janet in 1954. Wayne and his cousin, Kenny Larson, each borrowed $5000 to buy out their fathers to own Larson Chevrolet.

In 1963, Wayne moved his family to Gothenburg, NE, and established Larson Motors, selling Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick. In 1969, the family moved again to Fremont, NE, and Wayne established Wayne Larson Chevrolet. In 1980, he sold the business and went into real estate with Don Peterson and Associates, retiring in 1996.

Wayne was very involved at First United Methodist Church and chaired many committees. He was President of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of the Nebraska New Car Dealers Association, Chairman of the Salvation Army and the United Way, on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, president of the board of Crowell Nursing Home in Blair and a member of Kiwanis and Rotary. He was also a founder and the treasurer of his investment club for decades. Wayne stayed very social, founding a bachelors’ dinner, attending the steak fry group, coffee group, bridge group, and his 49ers group.

Wayne was an avid golfer at Fremont Golf Club for 55 years, walking 18 holes until he was 84 years old, and continuing to play until he was 92 years old.

Janet and Wayne enjoyed traveling to numerous foreign countries and cities including China, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Norway, East Germany, Iceland, Paris, Prague, and all 50 states.

We thank the Lord for the wonderful lives of Wayne and Janet, his gracious timing in death, and for new life.

Wayne is survived by his son, Tom (Sheryl) Larson, of Lincoln; daughters: Karen (Gary) Otteman, of Omaha, and Annette (Jack) Vaughn, of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; and brother, Gene (Judy) Larson, of Hot Springs, AR.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet Larson; and brothers: Don and Jerry Larson.

The Funeral will be 11:30 a.m., on Friday, November 22, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, Fremont. A reception at 12:30 p.m., at Fremont Golf Club. Military Honors and burial will be at Ridge Cemetery in Fremont after reception.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or the Fremont Area Art Association.

Moser Memorial Chapel 2170 N. Somers Ave Fremont, NE 68025

~~~from obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave # 276736360