Erling Marshall Olson

Erling Olson of Rock Creek passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home at the age of 83.

Erling Marshall Olson was born January 15, 1943, to Marshall and Thora (Hoff) Olson in Rush City, Minnesota.

Erling attended West Rock School and later graduated from Pine City High School in 1961. After graduation, he began working at the Greely Creamery and then hauled cattle for Harold Johnson.

On February 15, 1964, Erling married Lynn Monster. They purchased a dairy farm in Rock Creek. In 1998 the dairy cows were sold. This allowed him time to go fishing in Canada and attend auctions all over Minnesota and the Dakotas. Erling and Lynn collected tractors both full size and toy, crocks, gas engines, guns and anything that he thought was a deal. This allowed him to meet and B.S. with new and old friends. He enjoyed going to the Rock Creek Café shoot the breeze and sharpen his wit. They spent many days fishing and enjoying the beauty of Canadian wilderness.

Following Lynn's death, Erling met Barb Kranick at a grief seminar. They were married on April 11, 2015 in Pine City. Erling and Barb continued going to the cabin to enjoy the Canadian sunsets and fishing, along with sharing laughter with their many friends. Erling enjoyed reading books on farming, machinery parts, and attending numerous auctions. He was a Case fan for years, until Barb got him to see the John Deere light. They were happy to see cattle re-introduced to the farm in 2020. He could spend hours watching the cows and calves or driving around the machinery in his side-by-side with his dog. He always had a pet that was spoiled and loved. Erling stayed in the farmhouse close to everything he loved until he passed. He was a farmer at heart until the day he died.

Erling served as the Mayor of Rock Creek for 8 years, was an active charter member of the Rock Creek Lions serving as President for 2 years, Secretary for 3 years, and was the District Governor of 5M8 from 1989-1990. He received two Melvin Jones awards and helped initiate the Grasston Lions Chapter. He was also a member of the Rollag Threshing Show and St. John's Lutheran Church in Rush City. He was nearly 40 years sober. Erling spent his free time hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and watching sunsets from the deck at his second favorite place, his cabin in Canada.

Erling is survived by his wife Barb Olson; children: Steve (Marsha) Olson, Scott (Shannon) Olson, Wayne (Lisa) Olson; bonus children: Lisa Kelley, Leah (Roger) Palmer, Lana (David "Chum") Lewerenz; grandchildren: Jeremy Olson, Andrew Olson, Monica (Joshua) Leaf, Megan Olson, Kasey Olson; step-grandchildren: Brian, Alyssa, Stephanie, Ami, Amelia, Donald, Matthew (Sarah), Mason (Sierra), Amanda (Kody), Montgomery (Emma), Lexi (Riley), Addy; several step-great-grandchildren; canine companions Angel and Diesel.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Thora; first wife Lynn; grandson Carl; step-daughters Lori and Lynn.

Pastor Paul Anderson will officiate funeral services for Erling: 11 AM; Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rush City. A time for family and friends to gather is planned from 5-7 PM; Thursday, February 26 at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. The interment will take place at a later date at West Rock Cemetery, Rock Creek.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com