Lawrence Olson
| Date of Interment or Death | 09/14/2007 |
|---|---|
| Location | Garden of the Christus |
| Block and Lot | 039A |
| Grave | 1 |
Obituary
Lawrence Sylvester Olson was born November 14 1921, at Fergus Falls, MN, to Oscar and Gertie (Hellen) Olson. He attended Milnor, ND High School, graduating in 1940. He attended North Dakota State School of Science, receiving training in business administration. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Army Signal Corp and was stationed in Grand Forks, ND for 6 months of Radar Repair Training before reporting for active duty in March of 1943. Lawrence married Frances Engen on March 26, 1943, at Breckenridge Lutheran Church by Rev. P. A. Gisvold. Lawrence served overseas in the Pacific, New Guinea, and the Philippines before being honorably discharged in 1947.
When Lawrence returned from the service in 1947, the couple farmed at rural Milnor, ND for about 1 1/2 years before moving to Wahpeton where they raised their family. Lawrence graduated from electronics at NDSCS in 1949. He worked at the Wahpeton Montgomery Wards as manager of the major appliance department for 25 years and then transferred to Montgomery Wards in Duluth, MN where he worked from 1974 until 1982. Upon retirement in 1982, Lawrence and Frances returned to Wahpeton. For the next 10 years, Lawrence did part time sales of specialty items for Bill Weaver.
Lawrence was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Eagles, and a past member of the Jaycees and Golden K. Lawrence participated in league bowling. He did extensive camping about the United States with his family, and then traveled with Frances during their retirement. They enjoyed summers in their camper at the lakes.
Lawrence is survived by his 4 children, Kay (Garry) Bakken, Minot, ND, Linda (Dana) Pazdernik, Superior, WI, Larry (Pat) Olson, Fargo, ND, Barb (Jerry) Mohs, Wahpeton; 5 grandchildren, Deanna Bakken Fargo, Brad (Paula) Bakken, Wahpeton, Chris (Nicole) Pazdernik, Superior, WI, Heather (Dan) Rude, New Ulm, MN, Angie Olson, Fargo; 7 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Clayton (Jean) Olson, Fountain Palm, CA; and his daughter-in-law, Sandra Olson, Wahpeton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances, Oct. 18, 1999; and his son, James, May 26, 2004.
Headstone photograph(s)
Location
The Garden of the Christus is located in the Memorial Gardens, which comprises the northern half of the cemetery.