Clifford Tippy Olson, 69, died Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at Northwest Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 20, 2002 at Silver Creek Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Reverend David Pretty to officiate. Burial will be at Narodni Hrbitov Cemetery (Gust National Cemetery), Strathcona, MN.

Visitation will be 4 " 8 PM, Friday, July 19, 2002 at the Johnson-Green Funeral Home, Thief River Falls, MN with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Clifford Edward Olson was born June 15, 1933, at Strathcona, MN, the son of Albert and Lizzie (Bentow) Olson. He grew up and attended rural school. Following school he entered the US Army on May 19, 1953 and served in France. On May 4, 1955 he was honorably discharged. Following his discharge he began working road construction and for the US Forestry Service in Grygla.

On June 15, 1957, Clifford was united in marriage to Maxine Pesek at Our Redeemer Church in Badger. The couple moved to Grygla, MN and Clifford started working for the US Forrest Service in 1958, in 1969, Clifford began working for the City of Thief River Falls. They moved to rural Thief River Falls in 1970. In 1975, Clifford began employment at Pennington County and retired in 1997. They also farmed and raised cattle.

Clifford enjoyed hunting and held membership in the Eagles, VFW, Thief River Falls American Legion and WFLA Lodge. Clifford enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include wife, Maxine, Thief River Falls, MN; children, Sheryl Melby, Hawley, MN and Jeffrey (Lorna) Olson, Thief River Falls, MN; 3 grandchildren, Nichole, Laura and Becky; 3 step grandchildren, Shannon (Mitch) Zak, Shelly and Daniel; a sister, Myrtle Bertilrud, Greenbush, MN and a brother, Sanford Olson, Greenbush, MN.

Preceded in death by his parents.