O. Olson

O. Clifford Olson, 89, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, April 28, 2008, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was born at home near Norcross, Minnesota to Oscar and Bertha (Hillestad) Olson on August 14, 1918. He was one of ten children. He attended rural school and then one year in Norcross. As a boy he was known for his skill with horses. His calm, caring manner enabled him to break horses with ease. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1941 and served until 1945. He spent 10 months training to be a B25 mechanic state side and then served 34 months in North Africa, Corsica, and Italy in the 310th bomb group, 381st squadron as a crew chief with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was awarded the bronze star for his service. On November 30, 1947 he married Vione Larson at the Lutheran parsonage in Elbow Lake. During their 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with two children and four grandchildren, spent 44 years farming, wintered 25 years in Arizona and have enjoyed their retirement years in Fergus Falls since 1991. Clifford was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Norcross where he was a member until it closed in 2003, at which time he and Vione joined First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Clifford was an avid reader, especially westerns, spy novels, and mystery novels. He was always up to date with current events and the latest political happenings; he was a lifelong Democrat. He always valued education even though he was unable to attend school past eighth grade. He loved to golf with family and friends. He was a life long member of VFW Post 612 and a charter member of the American Legion Post #0410 in Norcross. During his years in Fergus Falls he enjoyed the fellowship at the Senior Citizen Center. But above all he valued his family most and made every effort to remain close and be involved in their lives. Preceding him in death were his parents; six brothers - Silas, Orvin, Bert, Raymond, Einer, and Warren; and two sisters - Amanda and Joan. Survivors include his wife, Vione, of Fergus Falls; a son, Harley (Beverly) of Fergus Falls, and a daughter, Cindy (Tom) Peterson, of Underwood; four grandchildren: Gwen (Chad) Thompson of Fergus Falls, Matthew Peterson of Los Angeles, CA, Trista Olson of Fergus Falls, and Amanda Peterson of Moorhead; one sister, Avis Cole of Arden Hills; and four sisters-in-law: Norma Olson of Monticello, Astrid Olson of Norway, Jeanette Olson of Wheaton, and Cathy Adams of Fergus Falls. Visitation: One hour before the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008 at First Lutheran Church, 402 South Court Street, Fergus Falls MN Clergy:      Reverend Matt Philaya Interment: 4 p.m. Saturday at Lakeside Cemetery, Herman MN Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls MN Military Participation by the Herman American Legion Post #378 Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com