Erling Olson, 77, died Sunday November 27, 2011 at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Rob Kopp officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Friday at the church.

Erling James Olson was born on November 15, 1934 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Edwin and Emma (Hofer) Olson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.  Erling attended District 29, Northfield Country School where he walked 2 miles uphill both ways in a snow storm!   (quoting Erling)  He graduated from Lincoln High School in the class of 1952.

Erling went to work for the State of Minnesota in the Highway Department for a few years.

On June 16, 1956, Erling was united in marriage to Barbara Lois Ann Froseth at the United Methodist Church.  They made their home in Thief River Falls where they raised their family.  In 1959, Erl and Barb purchased the Froseth Food Market.  They changed the name to Erls in 1974.  In 1984, they rebuilt the building which the family still owns and operates today.

Erl enjoyed playing cards, golfing, cooking, playing bingo, especially enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting with his friends.  He also enjoyed the special time in the woods hunting deer and birds; and the comradery that followed the hunt.  Erl was a member of the United Methodist Church and a member of the Eagles Club in Thief River Falls.  He volunteered with TRAFHA in his earlier years and is a past president of the Thief River Country Club.  He was an eager volunteer with many organizations.

Erling is survived by three sons, Jeffrey (Julie) Olson, Michael (special friend Angela) Olson, Bradley (Melissa) Olson, all of Thief River Falls, MN; eight grandchildren, Chad, Anthony, Makenzie, Nachele (fianc, Ryan), Ben, Nick, Garrett, and Carter; two great grandchildren, Alanna and Maizie; brothers, Richard (Sharon) Olson of Thief River Falls and Ronald (Karen) Olson of Bemidji; special  brother-in-law, Milt Reierson; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife and soul mate, Barbara on July 8, 2011; grandchildren, Brody and Kelsey Olson; brothers, Luverne (Fritzie) Olson and Morris (Dorothy) Olson; and sister-in-law, Eileen Reierson.