Harvey Olson

Harvey Gordon Olson of Wadena passed away at Pleasant View Care Home at the age of 100 years on October 1, 2022.

Dad was born to Gust and Minnie (Braaten) Olson . He had 2 brothers and 7 sisters. They grew up on the original homestead north of Kuroki.

On July 20, 1948 he married Alice Runnblom to this union three daughters and 2 sons were born. He later took over the home farm when his mother and father retired to Wadena in 1962. He farmed with his son, Larry, until Alice and him retired in 1987 to their new home in Wadena, which he built along with his brother Fred and his sons Larry & Kim.

Dad loved to tell his children and grandchildren many wonderful stories of his life growing up on the farm. He had many fond memories of his brothers and sisters playing their instruments after chores were done and going to play for dances in the community. He also told stories of how hard it was farming when he was a young man, in clearing the land, looking after the cattle and horses but he enjoyed the farm life.

After retirement he took up woodworking, building many pieces of furniture for their new home and for family and friends.

Dad enjoyed bringing music to the lives of so many in Wadena and surrounding communities, playing the violin, banjo and accordion with his musical friends and family.

He is survived by  his five children: Linda (Rae)Larson, Arizona; Donna(George)Novak, Calgary; Wendy(Gordon)Bakke, Ardrossan, AB; Larry Olson, Kuroki; Kim(Rosalie)Olson, Winnipeg; 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, sister Olive Mclean, Saskatoon; and special friend Rose Palechka.

He is predeceased by his wife, Alice; 2 grandchildren, Preston and April Novak; his parents and 8 brothers and sisters.