Charles "Chuck" Earl Olson

Mr. Chuck Olson of Rush City, died Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Mpls., MN. at the age of 77 years. Chuck grew up with a love for horses and traded a calf for his first gray horse at 11. The horse turned out to be blind. He learned a big lesson about buying horses at a young age. At 13 he left home with friends to go to South Dakota and work on a ranch. Chuck joined the Army in 1952 and got married shortly thereafter. He was shipped to Fairbanks, Alaska for the military and decided right then that he was going to work for himself. Chuck had three children: Dennis, Greg, and Nancy. Chuck purchased the family farm in 1959. When the kids were young Chuck decided to create an incentive for the boys to work on the farm. He arranged for them to have their own animals and milk checks. They felt “rich” and decided that the farm was alright. Chuck was very popular driving the candy truck throughout East Central Minnesota. Just a few weeks ago someone came up to him and asked if he was the Chuck that used to deliver candy. Chuck married Elaine in 1976. She had four children, Linda, Butch, Patti and Mike so they had a large blended family. Chuck and Elaine had nearly 30 wonderful years together, traveling and enjoying their children and grandchildren. Chuck loved his horses, and enjoyed trading horses, always saying that he was cutting back as he bought several more. He had two favorite dogs and a horse that were all named Blu. Chuck had friends all over Minnesota and North and South Dakota. He had something in common with everyone and enjoyed having coffee and a cookie with friends. Chuck Olson is survived by his children; Dennis Olson of Stacy, Greg Olson and wife Melissa of Rush City, Nancy Swanson of Stacy, Linda Gorton of L.A.,Cal., Butch Willert and wife Marya of Rush City, Patti Anderson and husband Tony of Rush City, Michael Willert and Wendy Whittaker of Pine City, 22 grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, Sister LaDez Pangerl of Rock Creek, Brothers Dale Olson and wife Gladys of Cambridge, Ron Olson and wife Jan of Livingston Texas, Cliff Olson and Ruth Merriman of Rock Creek, Sister-in-law Sharon Olson of Rock Creek and many nieces and nephews. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents William and (Jennie Dahlstrom) Olson, wife Elaine, brothers Kenny Olson, Harold Olson, sisters-in-law; Shirley Olson, Arlene Olson, Delores Olson and brother-in-law Bernard Pangerl. Rev. John Beck officiated at funeral services; 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rush City. Music was provided by granddaughters Randi Olson and Brittany Best and organist Dianne Kirchberg. Honorary casket bearers included grandsons Brandon Whittaker, Shay Willert and Jedaiah Olson. Active casket bearers included grandsons Tchevy Olson, Jack Olson, Gavin Olson, Joshua Anderson, Joel Benolken, Christopher Benolken, Dustin Willert and Corey Willert with the interment in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery next to his wife Elaine.