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James Olson |
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 James Marvin Olson, 84, of Rush City, died March 7, 2008 at the Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota. He was born October 14, 1923 to Ernest and Margaret (Pence) Olson in Rock Creek, Minn. He attended school in Rock Creek and Rush City with the Class of 1941. On September 9, 1942, he married Lillian Maria Webber of Pine City at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Rush City. They enjoyed 65 years together as a married couple. They spent many hours’ playing cards, going to dances, and visiting friends and relatives.
James, fondly known as Jim, spent his early years working on his family dairy farm. He worked on other farms in the area as well. In the mid 1940’s, Jim worked at Swift’s Meat Packing Plant in South Saint Paul. Later on, Jim had his own trucking service, hauling milk to the Rock Creek Creamery, hauling ice out of Rush Lake, and a garbage route in Rush City. While continuing with the garbage route through the 1950’s, Jim also worked at Land O’ Lakes Drying Plant in Rush City. In 1952 he was employed at the Amber Mill in Rush City and worked there until he retired in 1987. In his later years at Amber Mill, Jim was Union Steward and Chief Negotiator for the Union.
During the years of 1973 to 1993, Jim served on the board of directors at Cambridge Co-op Credit Union, known now as Minnco Credit Union. He was actively involved in laity ministry at Sacred Heart as an usher and a member of the Men’s Club. He volunteered many hours working with the Rush City Boy Scouts. After retirement he did courier service with area hospitals and clinics.
Jim loved playing cards with others at the Rush City Senior Center and with fellow parishioners and Father Xavier at Sacred Heart. He loved playing cards and various games with his family. Jim enjoyed listening to and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings on radio and television or attending games when he could. He was also a frequent visitor with Lillian at various restaurants in the area, especially the Kaffee Stuga in Harris, and Big Al’s in Rush City. His very favorite culinary experience was of course, Lillian’s home cooking, baking, and canned goods. One of his favorite leisure time activities was working in his garden and trimming the lawn and trees in the yard.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Margaret, brothers Donald Olson and Llewellyn Olson, sisters Genevieve Wickstrom and Lorraine Peterson, several brothers and sisters-in-law, and two nephews Peter and Jerome Webber.
Jim is survived by his wife Lillian, four children Michael (Karen) Olson of Albert Lea, Mary Breske of White Bear Lake, Marvin (Nancy) Olson of Austin, MN, and Marilyn (Ray) Lancaster of Braham; grandchildren Becky (Dave) Altman, Jackie (Matt) Peterson, Erica (Shaun) Wood, Jenny Breske, Michael Breske, Eric (Laura) Olson, Greg (Yvonne) Olson, Kyle Olson and special friend Nina, Garrett Lancaster and special friend Sarah; Eleven great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Lorraine Olson of Rush City, and Rita Webber of Pine City; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jim loved spending time with his family. His loving wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the greatest joy in his life. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Funeral services were celebrated on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Rush City with Father Xavier Thelakkatt. Music was provided by Nancy Sterk, Loring Olson, and Jackie Peterson. Casket bearers were Jim’s nine grandchildren and Honorary Casket bearers were Jim’s eleven great grandchildren. Interment was in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Rush City. Arrangement were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Olson Chapel of Rush City.
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