1919
Russell
2012
Russell Olson
April 20, 1919 — October 22, 2012
Russell Olson
April 20, 1919 - October 22, 2012
Russell G. Olson, 93, of Atwater, died Monday evening, October 22, at Bethesda PleasantView Nursing Home in Willmar following a hip fracture and post surgical complications.
Memorial services will be 12 noon Saturday, October 27, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater. A private interment will be at Union Cemetery in Atwater. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home.
Russell Glenndon Olson was born April 20, 1919, in Atwater, Minnesota, to Richard and Ida (Johnson) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and graduated from Atwater High School in 1937. Following graduation, he purchased his fathers dray company and later bought a school bus and drove for the Atwater School District. Russell courted and fell in love with Phyllis Elaine Edmund, also of Atwater, and they were married on November 19, 1941. This union was blessed with two children, James of Loretto, and Mary Carol Schwingler of Atwater.
With the country heading for war following Pearl Harbor, Russell tried to enlist in the armed services but was turned down due to a severe hearing loss. With a new family and a desire to help somehow in the war effort, Russell joined a construction crew in Alaska building the Alcan Highway. When he returned home, his work life spanned many occupations, from farming to running a dental lab in Washington State. But his most tenured occupation was his many years with Holm Brothers Hardware of Atwater. From a very young age, Russell developed exceptional skill at most trades and crafts. He could build or repair anything. In retirement, he was a true "Renaissance" craftsman and his beautiful wood creations today adorn Immanuel Lutheran Church and many homes as works of art.
Russell was devoted to his family, his community, his church and his Swedish heritage. He was very proud that his grandfather, John Olson, an immigrant homesteader, was one of the founders and charter members of the current Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Russell served on the Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, retired from the Atwater Fire Department, was a member of the Atwater Gun Club, and a lifetime member of the Zurah Shriners International.
Russell is survived by his son: Jim Olson of Loretto, a daughter, Mary (and Michael) Schwingler of Atwater; four grandchildren, Deanne Hinman of Atwater, Michele (and Jason) Boreen of Grove City, Scott (and DeeAnn) Olson of Delano and Kristin Olson of Buffalo; five great-grandchildren, Cody Hinman and Lucas, Abby, Emily and Kayleigh Olson; a brother, Rodney (and Karen) Olson of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ida Olson; and his wife, Phyllis in 1993.
April 20, 1919 - October 22, 2012
Russell G. Olson, 93, of Atwater, died Monday evening, October 22, at Bethesda PleasantView Nursing Home in Willmar following a hip fracture and post surgical complications.
Memorial services will be 12 noon Saturday, October 27, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater. A private interment will be at Union Cemetery in Atwater. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home.
Russell Glenndon Olson was born April 20, 1919, in Atwater, Minnesota, to Richard and Ida (Johnson) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and graduated from Atwater High School in 1937. Following graduation, he purchased his fathers dray company and later bought a school bus and drove for the Atwater School District. Russell courted and fell in love with Phyllis Elaine Edmund, also of Atwater, and they were married on November 19, 1941. This union was blessed with two children, James of Loretto, and Mary Carol Schwingler of Atwater.
With the country heading for war following Pearl Harbor, Russell tried to enlist in the armed services but was turned down due to a severe hearing loss. With a new family and a desire to help somehow in the war effort, Russell joined a construction crew in Alaska building the Alcan Highway. When he returned home, his work life spanned many occupations, from farming to running a dental lab in Washington State. But his most tenured occupation was his many years with Holm Brothers Hardware of Atwater. From a very young age, Russell developed exceptional skill at most trades and crafts. He could build or repair anything. In retirement, he was a true "Renaissance" craftsman and his beautiful wood creations today adorn Immanuel Lutheran Church and many homes as works of art.
Russell was devoted to his family, his community, his church and his Swedish heritage. He was very proud that his grandfather, John Olson, an immigrant homesteader, was one of the founders and charter members of the current Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Russell served on the Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, retired from the Atwater Fire Department, was a member of the Atwater Gun Club, and a lifetime member of the Zurah Shriners International.
Russell is survived by his son: Jim Olson of Loretto, a daughter, Mary (and Michael) Schwingler of Atwater; four grandchildren, Deanne Hinman of Atwater, Michele (and Jason) Boreen of Grove City, Scott (and DeeAnn) Olson of Delano and Kristin Olson of Buffalo; five great-grandchildren, Cody Hinman and Lucas, Abby, Emily and Kayleigh Olson; a brother, Rodney (and Karen) Olson of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ida Olson; and his wife, Phyllis in 1993.
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