Harlan L Olson

Harlan Leroy Olson was born Sept. 16, 1942, in New London, the son of Pedar and Helga (Hanson) Olson.  He grew up in New London where he attended New London High School.  After schooling he entered the U.S. Navy where he served his country from Jan. 22, 1960 to Sept. 13, 1963.  He later re-enlisted and served an additional two years.  On Sept. 11, 1962, Harlan was united in marriage to Judith Tozour in Trenton, New Jersey.  This union was blessed with four daughters.  They made their home in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and later Hawick, where he worked in Paynesville at A&C Farm Services for 35 years.

Always quick to smile and share a laugh with friends and family, Harlan was a member of Nordland Lutheran Church. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and watching the Minnesota Twins. His favorite pastime was spending time on the lake where he consistently caught larger fish than his daughters, which amused him greatly.

Harlan died Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at Meadow Lane Care Center in Benson at the age of 76. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy, daughters, Constance (Steve) Iverson of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dawn (Dan) Sullivan of Ogema, Kim (Andy) Harris of Murrieta, California, and Melissa (Mark) Peterson of Spicer; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Lucy Houtkooper; and brother-in-law, Jerry Vandorsten. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Peter and sisters, Elaine and Helen.

A celebration of life honoring Harlan will be held Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Nordland Lutheran Church, 18510 180th Ave. N.E. in Paynesville, Minnesota, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.     

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harlan L Olson, please visit our floral store.