Raymond Olson

Raymond L. Olson, age 85, died on Monday, November 16, 2009, from complications after surgery at the N.C. Little Hospice House in Edina, MN, surrounded by his family. Ray was born on September 5, 1924, on the family farm in Nelson, Minnesota the son of Emil and Anna (Hedlof) Olson. He attended District 40 school through the 8th grade. He worked on the family farm until he began working at the Ford Garage. Raymond was united in marriage to JoAnn Roberts on May 9, 1952. To this union two daughters were born: Jackie and Lori. Ray continued working at the Ford Garage until 1976 when he and JoAnn moved back to the family farm. Ray retired in 1983 and the couple moved back to town. Raymond interests included: gardening, fishing with close friends, bowling, playing cards, tinkering with motors into his later years, caring for their cats, Ole & Lena. Ray was known to many as ?Ole? Olson and as ?Hopsing? to his bowling buddies at the Garden Center. Raymond is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughters: Jackie (Paul) Droogsma, Lori (Patrick) McClellan, two grandchildren: Ross (Rachel) Droogsma, Mindy (James) VandeCastle, two great grandchildren: Rahnia and Aubrey; two sisters: Eunice Baker and Delores (Merlin) Iverson, sister-in-law: Mavis Olson; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two brothers-in-law, aunts & uncles. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Pallbearers were Terry Hauger, Craig Hauger, Danny Hauger, Kim Hauger, Ross Droogsma, James VandeCastle. Burial was at the Fahlun Lutheran Cemetery in Nelson. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net