Glenn Olson

Glenn Earl Olson, 81, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, November 29, 2007, at his home under the recent care of Lakeland Hospice. He was born May 17, 1926, the son of J. Alford and Helen (Lawien) Olson in Duluth, Minnesota. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1943, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1950 with a BA degree in Art. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force from August of 1944 to August of 1946, where he was an aerial gunner aboard a B-29 during World War II in the South Pacific. On September 13, 1947, he married Elaine Malley in Duluth. In 1959 he began his employment as the Advertising Manager at the Fergus Falls Daily Journal, serving in that capacity until 1988 and winning many awards from the Northwest Daily Press Association. After 33 years, he retired from the Daily Journal in 1992. He was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church, was a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion, and was a board member, past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Fergus Falls Rotary Club. He served as an advisory board member for the Wadena Area Technical College, and was also a member of the Minnesota Artists Association, the Lake Region Arts Council and the Otter Tail County Historical Society. Glenn enjoyed painting, especially watercolor landscape arts, and exhibited in both local art shows and several one-man exhibits. His proudest moment was his watercolor exhibit at Lake Region Hospital in 2000. Preceding him in death were his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Lulu and Martin Malley; his sister and brother-in-law, Shelley and Bill Juola; as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law of his wife's extended family. Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Elaine Olson of Fergus Falls; his children: Steve Olson and Brian (Kirsten) Olson of Fergus Falls, Jan (Tom) Ellis of North Bend, WA, and Ward Olson of Fergus Falls; grandchildren: Matt (Naomi) Olson of Fergus Falls, Mike (fiancé, Lindsey) Olson of Talent, OR, Andrew Olson of Fergus Falls, and Tiffany Ellis of Mitchell, SD; one great-grandson, Darby Olson of Fergus Falls; and a brother, Dick (Joann) Olson of Duluth. Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice, Rotary Foundation or the charity of the donor's choice. A public reception will be held at the Olson home at 320 West Maple beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4. A private memorial service will held at an earlier time. Military honors will be provided by the Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com