Caledonia Argus

Posted: 9/8/03

Harold Olson

Harold Elvin Olson, 59, of rural Caledonia, died Monday morning, September 8, 2003 at his home, after a short but courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born December 31, 1943, in Rush City, MN, to Elvin and Clara (Miska) Olson. Harold grew up on a farm in rural Pine City, MN, where he graduated from Pine City High School in 1960. He then attended St. Cloud State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and then a Master of Science degree in 1970. Harold taught school in Coopersville, MI, Nerstrand, MN, and Clarrisa, MN. On June 11, 1966 he married Joann Berry at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City.

In 1969 Harold started teaching Social Studies, Drivers Education and was C Squad Basketball Coach in Caledonia. He celebrated retirement from the classroom in June of 2000 but continued with the Drivers Education Program until May of 2003. Harold was also involved in the graduation standards in the Caledonia school system as well as a member and director on the Minnesota Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association.

As an avid outdoorsman, Harold enjoyed a good game of golf, pheasant hunting with his black labs, ìSpookyî and ìPuckî, and the comraderie of deer hunting with his friends. He also enjoyed good conversation at the local coffee shops, gardening and woodworking projects.

Harold was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia where he served on the church council. He also was an active member in the Root River Pheasants Forever Chapter and he was involved with the Houston County Sheriffís Posse.

Survivors include his wife, Joann; one daughter, Valerie (John) Reinke, New Albin, IA; one son, Mark (Jennifer), Minneapolis; four grandchildren; two aunts, Marie Clark, White Bear Lake, MN and Christine Broz, Marlton, NJ; and many cousins.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be Thursday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia with Rev. Elizabeth Stempinski officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends may call at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m .and on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Caledonia High School Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Houston County Cancer Society.

Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia is in charge of arrangements.

Top of Page