Rufus Stanley Olson
1918 - 2011 (93 years)Person ID: I14762 | Last Modified: 15 Jul 2024
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Name Rufus Stanley Olson Gender Male Birth 19 Mar 1918 Kratka Township, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA 
Died 8 Jun 2011 Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA Buried Bethany Cemetery, Smiley Township, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA [1] -
Family
Wife Violet Larson (ID:I14733)
b. 29 Sep 1919, Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA
d. 9 Nov 2001, Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA (Age 82 years)
Children 1. Living (ID:I14764)2. 
Rochelle Ann Olson (ID:I14763)
b. 25 Jun 1946, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA
d. 25 Jun 1946, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA (Age 0 years)+ 3. Living (ID:I14765)+ 4. Living (ID:I14766) -
Other Personal Events
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Event Map
Birth - 19 Mar 1918 - Kratka Township, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA 
Died - 8 Jun 2011 - Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA 
Buried - - Bethany Cemetery, Smiley Township, Pennington County, Minnesota, USA = Link to Google Earth 
: Address
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: County/Shire
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Source Citations
- [FIND-A-GRAVE] Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86928575/rufus_stanley_olson.
Rufus Olson, 93, of Thief River Falls, MN, died Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 13, 2011 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Rural Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Bob Dahlen officiating. Casket Bearers included Larry Forsberg, Steve Harder, John Hammer, Mark Stenseth, Curtis Tieman and Barry Newton. Honorary casket bearers included his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Military Honors were provided by the Thief River Falls American Legion and VFW Posts. Interment was held at Bethany Cemetery.
Rufus Stanley Olson was born at his home in Kratka Township, March 19, 1918. He was the son of Theodore and Anna (Forsberg) Olson. He father died in a farming accident when Rufus was 2 years old. He was raised by his mother, along with his four brothers and one sister.
The Olson family moved to St. Hilaire, where he attended school and graduated in 1935. In May Rufus enlisted in the Navy and served almost 10 years.
He married Violet Larson, December 24, 1941 in Goodridge. In 1945, after Rufus returned from the military, they purchased the family farm in Kratka Township. Rufus and Violet operated a dairy-grain farm. He also worked for the United States Postal Service. Rufus and Violet retired in 1975.
During this period in addition to raising their three sons, they opened their home to Violet's two nephews and niece.
During their retirement they traveled to various National Parks working as volunteers. Rufus and Violet especially enjoyed their work at Holden Village. Rufus believed in "giving something back." Rufus and Violet sponsored at least 12 children over the last 40 years through Children's Fund and Children International.
Rufus was very active in his community. He served on the Hospital board for two years. He also served on the school board for nine years during the construction of Franklin Middle School and the Vocational School. He served on the boards of Valley Home and Falls DAC. Rufus attended and actively participated in activities at Redeemer and Bethany Lutheran Churches. He was a member of the American Legion.
Rufus was able to enjoy the comfort of his home with the help of County Nursing Services and many wonderful friends. At the time of his death, Rufus was living at Valley Home Assistd Living, where he received wonderful care. He will be missed by his special friend, Marilu Walker.
He is survived by his children, Stan Olson of East Berlin, PA, Myles (Susan) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Lyle (Lori) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Patricia (Fran) Morone of Lodi, CA, Bob (Jennifer) Larson of Chattanooga, TN, and Ken Larson of Hastings, MN; 12 grandchildren; Heather (Steve) Willman, Mylynda (Jason) Livingston, Katy Olson, Michael Olson, David (Danielle) Olson, Krist (Stephanie) Olson, Shawn Olson, Michelle Morone, Kristin Morone Campbell, Sarah Larson Hall, Becky Larson Hall and John Larson. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Elise Willman, Anna Willman, Erik Willman, Stella Violet Livingston, Grady Olson, Charles Olson, Angelo Morone Campbell, Aidan Campbell, Alex Hall, Logan Hall and Michael Ball.
Rufus was preceded in death by his loving wife, Violet in 2001. his parents, and his siblings: Lester, Amos, Ernest, Myles, Iona and Infant daughter, Rochelle Ann.
He was a very kind and generous man.
