Eugene Olson

Eugene "Gene" G. Olson, age 84, of Willmar, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

Eugene "Gene" Gordon Olson was born on November 13, 1929, in Kandiyohi, Minnesota, the son of Ingvard and Josephine (Larson) Olson. He grew up in Kandiyohi and was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. In August of 1951, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent four years traveling the world. He was very proud of those years. On August 7, 1952, Gene was united in marriage to Carolee "Snook" Johnson. Following his discharge in 1955, Gene attended barber school and worked as a barber for 36 years in Willmar. Gene was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher and deacon. He was also a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Gene's hobbies included fishing (of any kind) and woodworking (making bird houses). But most of all, Gene enjoyed spending time at the cabin on George Lake.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Carolee "Snook" of Willmar; two children, Carrie "Tunie" Welker of Willmar and Dan Olson of Willmar; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren and one sister, Ardis Johnson of California, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Patricia Petersen in 2011; three brothers, LeRoy, Clifford and Kenneth Olson; two sisters, Harriet DeVries and Evelyn Gable and his parents.