Leonard Olson

Leonard A. Olson, age 92, formerly of Willmar, died Saturday morning, Sept. 26, at the Elim Home in Milaca.

Memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, October 3, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Interment will be in Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Montevideo.  Friends may call from 5-7 PM Friday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Wilmar and at the church one hour prior to the service.  Memorials are preferred to Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar.   (www.petersonbrothers.com)

Leonard Adolph Olson was born on September 21, 1923, at the Olson homestead near Maynard, Minnesota, the son of LaVera (Ashburn) and Adolph Olson.  He grew up in Louriston Township and attended school in District 36 rural school.  Leonard worked for his dad in a grocery store and also for Franzen Road Repair and Construction of Maynard. On December 18, 1946 he was married to Leone Rosella Bang at the Buffalo Lake church in rural DeGraff.  They made their home on a farm near Maynard that they operated for 13 years.  They moved to Willmar in 1959,  and for over five years owned and operated the Gamble's Store.  They became part owners of the Tempo Department Store in Willmar for 13 years then owned and operated Elmwood Resort on Lake Mary near Alexandria, MN.  He and his family ran the campground for 10 years,  and spent 22winters in Mesa, Arizona.  He retired in 1987 and in 2006 they sold their home in Mesa and moved back to Willmar.  Leonard moved to Milaca to be with his daughter and had resided at the Elim Home since July of this year.

Leonard particularly enjoyed being part of the Elks Lodge, golfing, card playing, and family events. He was known for his work ethic, his fairness and his kindness.

He is survived by his daughter, Karla (and Justin Helmer) Olson of Milaca, and one step-granddaughter, Veronica Beaty of Sacramento, California.  Also surviving is one sister, Beverly Thorkelson of Elk River and one brother-in-law, Merle Anderson of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; wife (Leone in 2013); one daughter in infancy (Darcee Ann in 1957); two sisters, Vivian Olson in infancy and Barbara Anderson; and two brothers, Earl Olson in childhood and Eugene (and Marvis) Olson.

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