O. Clifford Olson, 89, Fergus Falls, MN

1918 - 2008

O. Clifford Olson, 89, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, April 28, 2008, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

He was born Aug. 14, 1918, at home near Norcross, to Oscar and Bertha (Hillestad) Olson. He was one of 10 children, and attended rural school and then one year in Norcross.

As a boy he was known for his skill with horses. His calm, caring manner enabled him to break horses with ease.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1941, and served until 1945. He spent 10 months training to be a B25 mechanic state-side and then served 34 months in North Africa, Corsica, and Italy in the 310th bomb group, 381st squadron as a crew chief with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was awarded the bronze star for his service.

On Nov. 30, 1947, he married Vione Larson at the Lutheran parsonage in Elbow Lake. During their 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with two children and four grandchildren, spent 44 years farming, wintered 25 years in Arizona and have enjoyed their retirement years in Fergus Falls since 1991.

Clifford was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Norcross where he was a member until it closed in 2003, at which time he and Vione joined First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Clifford was an avid reader, especially westerns, spy novels and mystery novels. He was always up-to-date with current events and the latest political happenings; he was a lifelong Democrat. He always valued education even though he was unable to attend school past eighth grade.

He loved to golf with family and friends. He was a life long member of VFW Post 612, and a charter member of the American Legion Post 0410 in Norcross. During his years in Fergus Falls, he enjoyed the fellowship at the Senior Citizen Center. But above all he valued his family most and made every effort to remain close and be involved in their lives.

Preceding him in death were his parents; six brothers, Silas, Orvin, Bert, Raymond, Einer, and Warren; and two sisters, Amanda and Joan.

Survivors include his wife, Vione, of Fergus Falls; a son, Harley (Beverly) of Fergus Falls, and a daughter, Cindy (Tom) Peterson, of Underwood; four grandchildren: Gwen (Chad) Thompson of Fergus Falls, Matthew Peterson of Los Angeles, Calif., Trista Olson of Fergus Falls, and Amanda Peterson of Moorhead; one sister, Avis Cole of Arden Hills; and four sisters-in-law, Norma Olson of Monticello, Astrid Olson of Norway, Jeanette Olson of Wheaton and Cathy Adams of Fergus Falls.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008, at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Rev. Matt Philaya

Burial: 4 p.m. Saturday in Lakeside Cemetery, Herman, with military honors provided by the Herman American Legion Post 378

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

n Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com