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Craig Olson 03/04/2017

Craig Olson WebsiteCraig 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.

9 Comments

  • Karri VanDell Posted March 6, 2017 2:51 pm

    My prayers are with you as you gather with family and friends to honor Mr. Olson’s life. May hugs warm your heart and love engulf the Olson family during this difficult time.
    My love to you all, Karri

  • Verna & Roger Tweiten Posted March 6, 2017 4:35 pm

    The loss of a gentle but powerful man. Condolences to Mary Louise, Kjersti & Trygve !

  • Ellen taylor smith Posted March 6, 2017 8:12 pm

    My sympathy and prayers to your family, kjersti. What a great write-up on your Dad’s life. He certainly led an interesting life…. A great tribute to him.
    You and your family are in my thoughts. Ellen

  • Kim Alton Posted March 10, 2017 4:24 am

    Mary Louise Forever I will remember Craig & his quoting of John 16:33
    “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What a wonderful man I am so glad to have gotten to know. My heart is with you & your family.

  • Carolyn L Krieger Posted March 10, 2017 11:21 pm

    ML, I am so sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. I only knew him a short time, but I was instantly impressed with his comments at the bible study. I just watched the video, and it was wonderfully done. My prayers are are with you and your kids.

  • David C Wagner Posted March 12, 2017 4:33 pm

    Mary Louise, I am saddened to hear about Craig’s passing. He was the coach of the first traveling soccer team River Falls Soccer Association sponsored. I remember him as a kind man who was very dedicated to his family, country and Falcon Hockey.

  • Dr.Ashang Bonny UtuBaku Posted March 12, 2017 6:24 pm

    Late Craig was a kind Hearted family man who accepted me as member of his family while I was student @ University of Wisconsin River Fall in 1976.During my Summer vacation he took me out with Trygve & Kjersti to camping.He was such a warm person & the wife too:Mary Louise who wrote many letter to me in Nigeria.His memory is what will remain with me for the rest of my life…May His Gentle Soul R.I.P Amen

  • Gail Yancey Posted March 12, 2017 11:13 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. You are precious people!!!!

  • Doug Steiner Posted March 13, 2017 1:33 am

    Mary Louise and family, thank you for sharing Craig’s life story through the words and pictures on this site. I will remember Craig for his faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word, the love he displayed towards Mary Louise, his sense of humor (with eyes twinkling), and his passion for Cribbage as well as The Pack. Honored and blessed to have shared life’s path with him. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

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