Gary Olson, 63

Gary Lee Olson, 63, Almora, died suddenly Monday, December 17, 2012, at his home, following an illness.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 21 at 11 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with the Rev. Jonathan Sorum officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Julie Lindgren and vocalist, Dedra Zwieg. Burial will take place at Swedish Lutheran Church in rural Parkers Prairie.

Pallbearers will be Steve Olson, Garth Olson, Grant Olson, David Koep, Tim Malmgren and Andy Rudd. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and the Parkers Prairie American Legion Post #219.

Visitation is Thursday, December 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gary was born December 17, 1949 to Harris and Della (Conn) Olson in Bertha. He was raised by his grandmother, Emma, on the Olson family farm in Parkers Prairie. He attended country school and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1968.

Following his education, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Vietnam with the 84th Battalion Engineers. He was wounded on October 23, 1969, and continued serving in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1971. He received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge.

He was united in marriage to Anita Darlene Lucas on October 9, 1970 in Pikeville, Kentucky.

Following his honorable discharge, they returned to Parkers Prairie, where they raised their family. Gary owned/operated a trucking business with the support of his father, Harris, driving throughout North America for 12 years. For 15 years, he drove gas truck out of Alexandria before finishing his education via the G.I. Bill at Alexandria Technical College in small engine repairs. He worked for Fortwengler's Electric in Parkers Prairie until his retirement in 2009.

Gary was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, N.R.A., United We Stand America and the Parkers Prairie American Legion Post #219, where he was sergeant at arms and served as honor guard for many funerals through the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering on small engines and riding/fixing motorcycles.

Gary is survived by two sons, Jamie (Jackie) Olson of Parkers Prairie and Jonathan (Mandi) Olson of Henning; daughter, Jeannie (Gerald) Garrison of Wadena; three brothers, Don Sherry, Tim Sherry and Guy Sherry, all of Minnesota; three sisters, Sue Burton of Prescott, Wisconsin, Kathy Simons of Cottage Grove and Gayla Morrison of Hastings; three grandchildren, Levi, Madison and Emma; along with nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Darlene, on November 17, 1998; grandson, Chance; and sister, Nancy Severson.

Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service; www.lindfamilyfh.com.

A00009B2012DC21

Tags: obituaries