Russell: Walter J. Olson, age 98, of Russell, passed away surrounded by his family and loving wife of 66 years at the Faribault Care Center on Thursday, February 17, 2011. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 21st at Grace First Parish in Russell. Burial will be in the Custer Cemetery, rural Garvin. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to www.hamiltonfh.com.
Walter was born to Ben and Bertha (Streblow) Olson on August 25, 1912 in Emerson, Nebraska. A few years later the family moved to Minnesota and lived in the Balaton area. On September 23, 1944, Walter was united in marriage to Arloene Robinson in her family’s homestead near Garvin. This union was blessed by two children, Larry and David (died in infancy). In 1963, Lawrence Lehnhoff, came to join the family. Walter farmed his entire life southwest of Russell. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Russell, the Masonic Lodge and El Riad of Sioux Falls, SD. He also served as an elder in the church, on the board of Farmers Elevator of Russell, Lyon County Fair board, Russell Housing, and was active with agriculture conservation and pollution control on the Redwood River. Through the years he enjoyed traveling the U.S. in their motorhome and occasional trips to someplace warm. He always enjoyed visiting with people, playing cards, listening to the Minnesota Twins, and spending time with his family. Walter passed away at the Faribault Care Center on Thursday, February 17, 2011. He had reached the age of 98 years, 5 months and 10 days.. He is survived by his loving wife, Arloene; son Larry (and Dee) Olson of Faribault, Lawrence (and Sue) Lehnhoff of Perry, IA; two granddaughters, Amy (and Chad) Schak and Sara (and Brock) Dressen; seven great granddaughter, Courtney Schak, Allison Schak, Logan Schak, Caitlyn Dressen, Jacey Dressen, Avery Dressen and Madigan Dressen. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David; brother, Dale; and two sisters, Olive Hughes and Esther Jewett.
Blessed Be His Memory