Albert S. Olson

Albert "Al" Olson; also known as Chick Olson of Minnetonka, formerly of Rush City; passed away Thursday (10/24/13) at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud at the age of 83 years. Al Olson was born on October 8th, 1930 in Hugo MN, to John and May Olson. He grew up on a farm in Rush City, just off of French Road. Al graduated from Rush City High School in 1948 and went on to “Ag School” at the University of Minnesota. Al entered the Marines on December 16th 1954 and was Honorably Discharged as a Corporal on January 17th 1960. Al loved music and dancing, met his future wife LaDonna Mae Love, at Pine Camp Dance Hall in Pine City. They were married on June 2nd, 1956, and lived in South Minneapolis until 1968, when they purchased their “dream home” on Windy Hill Road in Minnetonka. (Al would have been ok living on a farm, Donna was not so keen on the idea.) He loved camping, fishing, gardening, refinishing furniture and most of all “putzing” around the yard. He always had a project of some sort going on, and liked to keep up with the projects his son-in-law Bob was working on too. Al was a devoted family man, loved having family around, and attending family gatherings. Over the years Al had a number of career opportunities, Monroe Calculators, Northwestern Life Insurance, Dennison Copiers, Massey Ferguson (this was his 2nd favorite), Minneapolis Exteriors, and lastly as a School Bus Driver for Breck (this was his favorite) he took great pride in making sure that the kids got to and from school safely. Al and Donna loved spending a couple of winter months in Phoenix with Dave and his family. Both liked to “soak up the sun”. In the summer months they enjoyed spending time at Bob and Linda’s home on Sauk Lake. Al was a very proud “grandpa” and always wanted to keep up with what was going on with the grandkids. Most recently he was excited to hear that Sarah was buying herself a home, this really made him smile. Al’s last musical contribution was as a member of the St. Cloud VA Band, “The Country Knockabouts” they even cut a CD. Al was preceded in death by his parents John and May Olson, wife Donna Olson, daughter Christy Raden, brothers: Donald and Robert; sisters: Helen and Virginia; and niece Kathy. Al "Chick" Olson is survived by his son David Olson and wife Lisa of Phoenix and daughter Linda Swanson and her husband Bob of Sauk Centre, grandchildren: Michael Olson, Lauren Olson, Lydia Olson, Max Olson, Sarah Raden and Adam Raden; sister Edith (Bob) McShanock of St. Paul, son-in-law Kevin (Cami) Raden of Plymouth, sister-in-law Isabelle Olson of England and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special Thank-You to the caring staff at the St. Cloud VA station 51-1, where Al lived the past 2 years. Rev. Laurie O'Shea will officiate at memorial services for Al; 2:30 p.m. Saturday, (Nov 9, 2013) at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City. A time of visitation is planned for one hour prior to the service Saturday. The inurnment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Memorials are suggested to the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. Funeral arrangements for Al "Chick" Olson of Minnetonka; formerly of Rush City are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com