Leroy Olson

LEROY ARNOLD OLSON…
was born the seventh of nine children to Olaf and Julia (Knudtson) Olson on March 15, 1914 in Martin Township, Rock County near Hills, Minnesota. He was baptized on April 12, 1914 and confirmed July 15, 1928 at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hills, Minnesota. He spent his childhood on the farm and attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended one year of high school in Hills. LeRoy then continued working with his Dad and brother on the farm. During this time he also held a job loading ice in the box cars at John Morrell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When he wasn’t working, LeRoy could often be found playing baseball.

On November 5, 1947 LeRoy was united in marriage to Fern Ella Olson at the Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The couple farmed throughout their married life in the Valley Springs, South Dakota and Hills and Beaver Creek, Minnesota, areas. Along with farming, LeRoy also worked for Hanson Silo Company. He retired from farming in 1971. The couple moved into Beaver Creek where LeRoy took a job as a custodian with the Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary School. In May of 1983, they moved to Luverne, Minnesota and LeRoy took a part-time as a custodian at Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home. Fern preceded him in death in 1996. LeRoy continued to make his home in Luverne. He later became a resident at Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home where on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 he died peacefully at the age of 98 years, 9 months and 10 days.

LeRoy was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. He enjoyed fishing, playing baseball and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. He also enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events whenever he was able.

LeRoy is survived by his children, Loretta (Warren) Baker of Luverne, and Douglas (Ellen) Olson of Beaver Creek; seven grandchildren; Beth Herman, Randy Baker, Dean Baker, Londa Krueger, Tony Olson, Angela Hageman, and Amanda Blank; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern; parents; five brothers, Oliver, Orville, Raymond, Edwin and Carl; and two sisters, Marie Bowman and Myrtle Olsen.