There will be an "Open Gym" to celebrate the life of Carolyn Larson, age 79, of O'Neill on Sunday, July 26th from 2:00 – 4:00 in the old O'Neill High School gym. Team Carolyn/Team Twila, Eagle, or any other athletic attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the OHS Give Back Fund to support the athletic department. Carolyn passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at her home northeast of O'Neill.

Jean Carolyn Larson was born in Ainsworth, NE on April 7, 1941 to Eugene & Inez (Clark) Schmeichel. The family moved to O'Neill prior to her sixth-grade year. Meeting Jim Larson led to them being high school sweethearts and graduating together in the class of 1959. Jim & Carolyn later married on March 31, 1961. This union brought five children.

Carolyn worked at O'Neill Public Schools for decades. First as a secretary, prior to marriage, later as a cook for the lunch program, and then back to an elementary secretary until her retirement. Her love of sports kept her busy. Several evenings a week were spent in various gyms keeping the scorebook for the OHS Eagles' Volleyball and Basketball teams. She absolutely loved the bus rides and all the connections she made over the years with coaches, referees, players, and fellow scorekeepers. When she did miss games, it was to attend the activities of her grandchildren.

Carolyn's schedule was always full and fun-filled. Monday night bowling had been on the agenda for over 50 years, Wednesday night 'Jokers' crew was a more-recent ritual, Nebraska Passport, trips shared with friends, monthly OHS retirement lunches at various venues, and those were just the activities in the Holt County area alone. Many miles were traveled heading east and south to spend time with family. Carolyn lived life to its fullest and enjoyed every moment. She always had a smile and maybe a joke or a story for everyone along the way.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 59 years Jim Larson of O'Neill, NE and their children: Lori Baumert and her husband Mike of Scribner, NE, their children: Mikayla (Kale) Meyer, and their child Graylee; Braydon (Kelsie) Baumert; and Jerica Baumert. Tuff Larson and wife Robyn of O'Neill, NE, their child Tyson (Brittany) Larson, and their children Theodore, Miles, and Dashiell. Jeanna Keller and her husband Steve of Logan, IA and their children Kylie and AJ. Candi Bryant and husband Dave of Hickman, NE and their children: Beau (Payton) Bryant and their child Nora; Alix (Colten) Mach and child Rhyker; Chase; and Rylie. Chad Larson of Lincoln, NE and children Colton and Molly.

Carolyn is also survived by six siblings and their spouses: Ron & Randi Schmeichel of Lincoln, NE, Stan & Betty Schmeichel of Dewey, AZ, Jim & Connie Schmeichel of Fremont, NE, Randy & Becky Schmeichel of O'Neill, NE, Pam & Dave Ames of O'Neill, NE, Jeff & Brenda Schmeichel of O'Neill, NE, and brother-in-law Keith Reynoldson of Norfolk, NE

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents Gene & Inez Schmeichel, one sister, Sheryl Reynoldson, and niece, Traci Peters.