Craig Olson 03/04/2017

Craig Olson, 82, beloved Husband, Father and Grandpa Morfar was peacefully called to his eternal resting place on March 4, 2017, at Woodland Hill in Hudson, WI. He entered this world on June 28, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN, born to Dr. C.A. and Midge Olson. Craig grew up in Hammond and Baldwin, being called “Doc”; graduating from Baldwin High School in 1952 and UW-River Falls in 1960. He married Mary Louise Olson of Spring Valley on June 30, 1956. He entered the United States Army and proudly served actively and on reserve from 1956-1963. For 39 years he worked for 3M, holding various supervisory and management positions in Manufacturing, Laboratory, Product Development, Quality Control and Regulatory Affairs. He held one patent. He retired in 1996. A patriotic citizen and committed member of his community, he belonged to Ezekiel Lutheran Church, Gideon’s International, the American Legion, WI Conservation Congress, NRA, and Republican Party. He served on the WI State Emergency Response Board; MN/WI Boundary Waters Commission; River Falls Planning Commission; Kinnickinnic Priority Watershed Commission; and RF Library Foundation Board. For many years he was a competitive marksman (Fort Lee, 2nd Army, and 3M Rifle Teams). He taught CPR and announced for the UWRF Falcon hockey team for 20 years. He was a proud Swede (who married a Norwegian) and a life-long fisherman, hunter, dog lover, card player and Packer fan. He was a very proud hockey and marching band dad. He welcomed his daughter and son-in-law into the family, and was an enthusiastic grandpa. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. C.A. and Midge Olson; granddaughter, Vilté Louise Olson; brothers-in-law, Dr. John Brown, Harold Olson, Gayle Olson; nephews, Scott Olson, Chris Olson; and niece, Julie Seeley. Craig is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Olson; children, Trygve (Erika Veberyte) Olson, Kjersti (Brian) Duncan; grandchildren, Ula Olson, Kaja Olson, Espen Duncan, Marit Duncan; sister, Karin Brown; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Olson, Janice Olson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 11 am at Ezekiel Lutheran Church 202 S 2nd Street River Falls, WI. Memorial Visitation was held Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 4-8 pm and on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 10-11 am at Ezekiel Lutheran Church. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls with military honors performed by the American Legion Post #121 of River Falls.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.