Ruben & Melba Olson

Ruben Olson, 100, and Melba Olson, 94, of Willmar, died Friday, May 29, 13 hours apart, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Their funeral service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, June 13 at First Norway Lake Lutheran Church in rural New London. Visitation will be one hour prior to their service at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Ruben William Olson was born on May 5, 1926, to Ole and Dora Olson on a farm near New London, Minnesota. He attended New London Country School through the ninth grade before beginning work on the family farm. Ruben entered the United States Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1947. Following his military service, he moved to Willmar.

Melba Adeline Olson was born on September 8, 1931, to Alfred and Mabel (Simonson) Westrud in Lake Johanna Township. She attended Lake Johanna School through the sixth grade before helping on the family farm and assisting in the care of her younger siblings.

Ruben and Melba were united in marriage on May 12, 1951, in Brooten, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with three children and 75 years of devoted partnership.

Ruben worked as a truck driver in Willmar and Alexandria until 1959, when the family moved to Minneapolis. There, he was employed by Mobil Oil Corporation as a truck driver, warehouseman, and office accountant. He dedicated 23 years to the company before retiring in 1982. During those years, Melba was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in raising their children. Later, she worked at Norm's Grocery Store and West Bakery in Minneapolis before retiring in 1982.

Following retirement, Ruben and Melba enjoyed spending their winters in Avon Park, Florida, and their summers at the family cabin on Norway Lake. They later made their home in Willmar.

Ruben faithfully served as treasurer of Bethany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis for many years. He enjoyed spending time at the lake and fishing with his family. Melba found joy in cooking, baking, and gardening.

Above all else, Ruben and Melba treasured their family. They were a familiar presence at family gatherings and events and took great pride in supporting their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruben and Melba are survived by their children, Richard (Janell) Olson and Patsy Paulson; grandchildren, Angela (Andy) Martin, Rochelle (Nick) Paulson, and Johnathan (Mandee) Paulson; and seven great-grandchildren. They are also survived by Ruben's sister, Olive Beck; Melba's siblings, Lavina Keil, Verna (Arnie) Sharstrom, Ardis Strommen, Vernon (Bonnie) Westrud, and Mavis (Vernie) Iverson; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

They were preceded in death by their son, Randell Olson; Ruben's parents, Ole and Dora Olson; Melba's parents, Alfred and Mabel Westrud; Ruben's siblings, Donald Olson, Ivan Olson, Edna Spieker, and Ruby Foote; and Melba's siblings, Harlan Westrud, Eunice Weflen, Norma Mathiason, Delphene Quisberg, Allan Westrud, and Gerald Westrud.

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