Lyle Harvey Olson was born January 11, 1927 near Whalen, Minnesota, the son of John and Hilda (Jenson) Olson. Lyle was the grandson of Civil War veteran James (Martha Johnson) Olson and Ingeman (Annie Johnson) Jenson.
Lyle was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church of Highland Minnesota. He served in the United States Army from 1951 – 1953 in Korea. Lyle wed Rita Ann Kratz on February 5, 1957 at LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Edward and Mary (Brady) Kratz. They farmed for several years, worked at factories in Peterson and Chatfield, and he also worked at Penny’s in Winona.
Lyle was an avid reader of westerns and had a such fascination with trains that at one time had a room all set up with trains. He also enjoyed flea markets, but most of all he loved his cats: Fatso, Abner, and Arnold.
Lyle passed away early Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Spring Valley Care Center, where he has resided for the last year, at the age of 91.
Lyle is survived by six nephews and nieces Elaine (William) Miller of Rochester, Duane (Karen) Paulson of Winona, Dennis (Joan) Paulson of St. Paul, Marlene McCabe of Burr Oak, Iowa, Robert (Delores) Neshiem of Mazeppa, and Wayne Neshiem of Burr Oak; seventeen great nephews and nieces; and four cousins Mildred (Oaks) Stoner of Lancaster, California, Sylvia (Erickson) Mallory of Beaverton, Oregon, Betty (Marquardt) Palmer of Rochester, and Carol (Jenson) Johnson of St. Paul.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rita on May 13, 2001; his father in 1958 and mother in 1978; and five siblings Alice (Hermey) Hanson in 1988, Hazel (Ernest) Neshiem in 1977, Margaret (Glen) Paulson in 1995, pearl Olson in 1993, and Donald Olson in 1946.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church of Highland in rural Lanesboro, Minnesota with Pastor Patricia Hinkie officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church of Highland. |
