Ruebin Olson

Ruebin Bennett Olson was born on April 28, 1933, in Osakis, Minnesota to Oliver and Evelyn (Witsoe) Olson. He graduated from Osakis High School. During the Korean Conflict Ruebin served in the U.S. Army in the states for two years. He earned an Electronic Technology Degree from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis. During that time, Ruebin met Karen at a drive-in restaurant where she was a waitress.
Ruebin was united in marriage to Karen “Sally” Wilson on June 22, 1957, in Minneapolis. The couple moved to southern California, where Ruebin worked for a private contractor for NASA as an Electronic Technician. While in California, Ruebin and Karen started their family and were blessed with three boys, Kent, Kevin, and Rob. In 1969, the family moved back to Alexandria and Ruebin went to work for Carlson Music Center as their Electronic Technician. Ruebin semi-retired from Carlson Music Center in 1998, working there a few days a week.
Ruebin had a love for fishing, hunting, and eating Scandinavian food such as Lutefisk, Lefse, and Rommegrot. When he wasn’t fishing, he enjoyed plinking gophers, gardening, taking drives looking for deer, and playing cards. Ruebin’s favorite card game was cribbage which he played whenever possible including the daily morning and afternoon sessions with his brothers and their spouses. He also was known for his sense of humor, playing jokes, his quick wit, patience, honesty, and his strong work ethic.
Ruebin died on Friday, September 8, 2017 at Grand Arbor at the age of 84. He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Kathy) Olson of Alexandria and Rob (Laura) Olson of Worthing, South Dakota; two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Elena Olson; brothers, Orris (Janice) Olson and Dennis (Judy) Olson both of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. Ruebin is preceded in death by his wife, Karen; son, Kent; parents, Oliver and Evelyn; and sister, Clariene Stutelberg.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Monday, September 11, 2017, at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Inurnment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Military Honors will be provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87, VFW Post 936, VVA Rifle Squad, and the Minnesota National Honor Guard.