Roger G Olson

Roger Gustaf Olson, age 81, of Lake George, MN, formerly a long time St. Peter, MN area resident, passed away at his home on Lake Paine, south of Lake George. Roger was born in St. Peter on February 16, 1934 to Ruth and Hilding Olson. His early years were spent with family on their farm in Belgrade Township in Nicollet County where he attended rural grade school and then graduated from the Mankato High School in 1952. He was a dedicated 4-H member and was a Junior Leader with noted recognition in livestock, crops, and home beautification. He was named the "State 4-H Corn King and the "State 4-H Health King" and was awarded a trip to Washington DC on a National Achievement Award. Roger was a Nicollet County Fair Open Class exhibitor for 40 years and spent several years serving as the Horticulture Superintendent for the fair. In 1956, Roger joined the United States Navy and spent time in Adak, Alaska which is the northern most island on the Aleutians Chain where he served as a fire fighter. On March 9, 1957, Roger was united in marriage to Beverlee Lange and later they began farming. During the early years of farming he supplemented his farm income with a corn shelling business. Conrad Olson, his uncle, had taught Roger as a youngster, how to do carpentry work which enabled him to build a new farm house and many of the farm buildings. The family, along with the addition of three daughters, operated a Holstein dairy farm until 1986 when they sold their cows; but, Roger continued farming the land until 2002 when he retired due to having suffered a serious heart attack. By this time they had designed and Roger had built a retirement home on Lake Paine near Lake George, MN. His love for working with wood led him to design and build bird houses and children's barn projects. He also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, playing cribbage, gardening, canning and baking. For several years he was the Blueberry King of the Lake George Blueberry festival. He was well known for picking, canning, selling blueberry jam and teaching others all about "the blueberry". Over the years he made hundreds of blueberry pies and shared them with friends and family. Roger was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George. Roger is survived by his wife, Beverlee; his three daughters: Cheri Brummund of Waseca, Christine (Brad) Strauss of Janesville, MN and Roberta Olson of St. Peter; two grandchildren: Christian Amigo of Janesville and Tabby (Patrick) Shehan of Eagle Grove, IA; two great grandchildren: John Patrick Shehan and Julia Shehan; one brother, Harlan (Bonnie) Olson of St. Peter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Marvin Olson. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George, MN with Rev. Don Kirchner officiating. Karen Lueth will be the organist. The soloist will be Adrian Ferris who will sing two songs that were written by Roger Olson, "What Jesus Did For You And Me" and "Open Gates". The casket bearers will be:Christian Amigo, Pat Shehan, Brad Strauss, Harlan Olson, Lee Johnson and Bobby Dilly. The honorary casket bearers in Lake George will be: Gerald Harvey, Don Ferris, David Wilander and Cal Johannsen. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of The North Marine Corps League. A luncheon will be hosted by the church. There will be a second service in St. Peter at 11 AM Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter with Rev. Joy Ekstedt officiating. The soloist will be Deb Thermodson. Honorary casket bearers will be: Jack Forbrook and Roger Schoeb. Military honors will be conducted by the Nicollet American Legion Post #507. Interment will be in the Greenhill Cemetery of St. Peter. A catered lunch will be served at the church.