Full History
Olson Funeral Home has a rich and heartfelt history that began in the early 1900s in Underwood, MN, thanks to the vision of Lars Olson and his son-in-law, Conrad Skalman. Their mission was simple yet profound: to provide compassionate care for their community during life’s most difficult moments. In 1918, Lars was joined in the business by his son, Guy Olson, marking the start of a long tradition of family involvement.
The funeral home’s journey continued with a move to Pelican Rapids and then later to Fergus Falls, where it grew and flourished. In 1950, Guy was joined by his son, Robert Olson, and together they helped shape the future of the family business. The legacy continued to expand in 1978 when Guy’s son, Guy S. Olson II, became part of the team, further solidifying the commitment to serving the community with care and compassion.
In 1995, Olson Funeral Home took an exciting step forward with the opening of a new facility that continues to serve families today. A few years later, in 1997, the funeral home expanded even further with the acquisition of Grina Funeral Home in Rothsay, MN. In a thoughtful act of generosity, the Olson family donated the Grina Funeral Home property to the New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay in 2009, helping the church build a new facility on the site.
The funeral home continued to grow in both space and services, adding a beautiful chapel and reception area in 2014 to better serve the needs of the community. By 2020, Robert S. (Robbie) Olson II became a partner in the family firm, joining his father Guy S. Olson II after completing his degree in mortuary science in 2014. Together, they continued the Olson family’s legacy of caring for the families of Fergus Falls and the surrounding areas.
In early 2024, a new chapter began when Tom Vertin, a third-generation funeral director, purchased Olson Funeral Home. While the ownership has changed, the commitment to excellence and compassionate care remains unwavering. Today, the team at Olson Funeral & Cremation, including Robbie, carries forward the Olson family’s tradition, dedicated to providing the same warm, thoughtful care that has been at the heart of the business for over a century.
