Caledonia Argus

Posted: 2/5/02

Raymond Olson

Raymond G. Olson, 88, Spring Grove, died Tuesday, January 29, 2002, at his home. He was born on Oak Ridge, outside of Houston, MN on September 16, 1913, to Olaus and Julia (Evenson) Olson. On June 26, 1937 he married Ethel Storlie at the Blackhammer Parsonage, rural Spring Grove.

Raymond worked as a carpenter for I.G. Iverson of Houston for 13 years, and then was a dairy farmer for 35 years in the Spring Grove area, before retiring in 1976. He also was a lifelong member of Sons of Norway in Spring Grove and was named ìKing of Trollsî for the annual Syttende Mai Fest held in Spring Grove in 1984. For many years Raymond was a member of the ìValheimersî, a menís vocal quintet, and was a contributing member of the ìPitch Fork and Shovel Society.î

He is survived by his wife; three sons: Gary (Rosaaen Skifton) Olson, Sioux Falls, S.D., Adrian (Jean Bunge) Olson, Deerwood, and Jeffrey (Marsha Schneeman), Maple Grove/Deerwood; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a niece Carol Oickle, who was raised as a sister to Raymond.

Raymond was preceded in death by his son, Spencer (Carolyn Esse) Olson; five sisters, Bella (Andrew) Rasmussen, Georgia (Helmer) Ekern, Clarice (Henry) Larson, Bernice (Knute) Vinge, and Gladys (Jim) Kelly; five brothers, Clarence (Myrtle Tennison) Olson, Orvin (Jewel Onstad) Olson, Minor Olson, Norman (Dorothy Wilhelmson) Olson and Ronald (Beanie Swenson) Olson.

Services were held Saturday, February 2, 11 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove with Pastor Jim Arends officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Friends called Friday from 5-7 pm at the Roble Funeral Home in Spring Grove and at the church on Saturday from 10-11 am.

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