Eugene Olson

Eugene "Gene" E. Olson, age 86, of Willmar, died Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21, at his home surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 25, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Wednesday, September 24, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Eugene "Gene" Edward Olson was born on July 18, 1928, in Lake Lillian, Minnesota, the son of Emil and Mary (Lippert) Olson. He grew up in the Lake Lillian community and graduated from Bird Island High School in 1946 as a standout basketball and baseball player. On June 7, 1948, Gene was united in marriage to Dorothy M. Schultz and they made their home in Willmar where Gene played semi-pro baseball. In 1950, Gene signed his pro contract with the Yankees. As a pitcher, Gene played his baseball career in the Northern League playing for Grand Forks and in Quincy, Illinois in the 3 I League. Following spring training with the Yankees in 1951, Gene then played for Norfolk, Virginia in the Piedmont League and later at Birmingham, Alabama and Charleston, South Carolina in the Sally League. In 1957, he returned to Willmar and continued to play semi-pro baseball with the Willmar Rails. When Gene was not playing baseball, he was employed at the Minar-Rodelius Ford dealership. He later owned and operated Gene & Loren's Auto Sales and later sold the dealership to Don & Vern's. He retired from Mills Ford as the service manager in 1994. Following his retirement, Gene and Dorothy enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. Gene served for many years on the Willmar Park & Recreation board. He was a member of the Elks and St. Mary's Catholic church where he was an usher and volunteer on various church committees. His hobbies included baseball, golfing, hunting, fishing and being an avid sports fan. His greatest joy was his family and spending time with his grandchildren and following their activities.

He is survived by five children, Jeanine (and Ron) Christianson of Willmar, John (and Maxine) Olson of Willmar, Mary (and Charles) Sondrol of Sunburg, Mark Olson (and special friend, Lori) of Willmar and Jane Nelson of St. Louis Park; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and two sisters, Lorraine Barta of Olivia and Marjorie Novotny of Olivia, be sides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy in 2013; one brother, Luverne Olson and one sister, Vivian Thompson.

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