Leonard Olson
Leonard “Lennie” Olson, 75 of Middle River, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at his residence.
The service to celebrate Lennie’s life will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN with Rev. Kevin Hackney officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Strathcona, MN. Visitation will be 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, July 30, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Leonard Morris Olson was born July 26, 1946 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Conrad and Alma (Kolberg) Olson. He was baptized on August 25, 1946 and confirmed on April 30, 1961 at Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church in Strathcona, MN. Leonard attended country school near Strathcona. Throughout his life, he was lovingly known as Lennie to his family and friends.
On March 21, 1967, Lennie entered into service with the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and was Honorably Discharged on March 1, 1969.
Following his Honorable Discharge, Lennie returned to live in Minnesota where he was married and became proud father of two daughters, Lori and Tonia.
In the early 1970’s, Lennie returned to live at Strathcona, MN on the family farm in Huntly Township.
On July 23, 1977, Lennie was united in marriage to Nancy Niemela at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN. They made their home in Strathcona and for the last 19 years have resided in Middle River. To this union one son, Eric was born. Lennie was very proud of Eric and his family who are now the fifth generation of the Olson family to live on that farm.
Lennie worked various jobs throughout the years including H & S Construction, Technology Plus, Argyle Elevator, Northwest Community Action, Wanzek Construction, and various other places. Lennie was a member of Middle River American Legion Post 444 and Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church.
He was a very kind, caring, loving, snarky, fun-loving character. He was a delegator, teaser, loved to pull jokes and was the life of the party. Lennie loved life, having a good time, being around people and especially loved his family. He enjoyed hanging out at the Wagon Wheel and the American Legion sharing stories with his buddies. Deer hunting with family and the gang from St. Cloud and Middle River area was a very special event. Lennie also enjoyed fishing, bonfires, cooking breakfast for minnow money, and spending time at Zippel Bay.
Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy of Middle River; son, Eric (Lyzette) Olson of Strathcona; daughters, Lori (Craig) Rogosheske of TN and Tonia (Dale) Ortman of GA; grandchildren, Easton, Layci, & Eizen Olson, Jordan, Morgan, & Logan Rogosheske, Abigail, Aubrey, & Alaina Ortman; his “girls” & special nieces, Lanae (Louie) Cater of Middle River and LeAnn (Matt Homme) Gust of Gatzke; nephew, Dale Olson of Middle River; uncle, Earl Kolberg of Roseau; brothers-in-law, Ed Jagol of St. Hilaire, Steve Niemela of Blaine, MN and Ken (Deb) Niemela of Thief River Falls; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Chester (Janice) Olson; and sister-in-law, Arlene Jagol.