Larry Dwaine Schwensen

Larry Dwaine Schwensen, 81, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Tabitha Hospice Care in Lincoln. 

Larry was born July 8, 1942, in Fullerton to William and Opal (Foland) Schwensen, the second oldest of their six children. 

He grew up on a farm near Belgrade, attending country school before graduating Fullerton High School in 1960. After graduation he joined the Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger in the Pacific Fleet from 1960 to 1963. Upon discharge Larry stayed on the west coast, embarking on a career in construction, first as an Apprentice with the Carpenter’s Union and then as a Foreman organizing, directing, and completing many heavy construction projects in the Bay Area of Northern California and later in Nebraska. Among these were high-rise buildings, a water park, water treatment plants, underground BART system in San Francisco and earthquake repairs in the Port of Alameda. As an entrepreneur, Larry owned a family business construction company in Central City. Larry was not happy unless he was building something, to include building (and adding onto) his own houses both in California and in later in Nebraska. He assisted several family members and nearby neighbors in building their houses as well.  Many homes in the area are decorated with cabinets, trim, doors, and furniture made in his “retirement workshop.” Larry always made time to enjoy his children and grandchildren, including attending sporting events, projects like roofing a shed together, working in the woodshop, and taking canoeing adventures in the Platte and Cedar rivers.  He also spent time mowing the yard with his tractor, tending his vegetable garden, and doing mechanic work on his treasured 1958 Ford pickup and 1963 Ford Thunderbird. 

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Rose (Leander), married Feb. 28, 1969 in Grand Island; their three children: sons, Shawn Schwensen (Tonya) of Topeka, Kan., Corey Schwensen (Christy) of Lincoln and daughter, Deanna Qualset (Adam) of Waverly; 10 grandchildren, Antonia McFarlen (Jordan), Nicolas Schwensen (Rachel), Benjamin Schwensen, Laurel Schwensen, Katrina Schwensen, Amelia Schwensen, Terrence Schwensen, Ethan Qualset (Julia Wingrove-financé)  Maya Qualset, and Jacob Qualset; one great-grandson Lewis McFarlen; brother-in-law, Bob Humrich (Linda); two siblings, Glenda McIntosh and Tammy Schwensen and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Bill Schwensen, Sheryl Humrich and Curtis Schwensen; nephew, Bill “BJ” Schwensen; and niece, Melissa Humrich.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home, 1507 17th Street, Central City, with a social lunch to follow.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31