Glenn M. Olson, age 78 of Yuma, Arizona, passed away July 1, 2006.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Gary Johnson & Pator Ken Prine officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Wednesday.

Glenn Olson was born in Mavie, Minnesota, February 3, 1928. Upon the early deaths of both parents, Glenn resided with the Phillip family until age sixteen. During the war, Glenn worked in Portland, Oregon as an electrician. He returned home and married the love of his life, Marion Nelson, in the summer of 1947. Marions parents, John and Amanda Nelson welcomed Glenn into their family as a son.

Glenn worked for various implement and tire dealers in the Thief River Falls area. Glenn and Marion moved their family to Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1959. He had numerous occupations, including Home of Economy and his own roofing company. In 1966, Glenn and his family moved to Crystal, Minnesota where he worked for the Soo Line Railroad. After the death of his wife, Marion, of 26 years, he relocated to Florida where he owned a hotel and restaurant. In 1982, Glenn survived lung cancer by the removal of a lung and semi-retired to Yuma, Arizona. In Yuma, he bought and sold property. Glenn spent his free time making sandwiches for the homeless at a mission and collecting donations and delivering them to the poor across the border in Mexico.

The last eleven years he resided in Arizona and Alaska with his special friend, Evelyn, and dog, Little One. Glenn spent every summer staying with each of his children and their families. Although he enjoyed garage sales, Cribbage, Scrabble, and buying and selling cars, spending time with friends and family were what he enjoyed most.

Glenn was cared for by his son, Greg and his family, the last month of his life. During this time, his family had the opportunity to observe his love for Jesus. He was ready for his final journey to be home with the Lord on Saturday, July 1, 2006.

Our family would like to extend our appreciation to all who prayed and showed love to our Dad and families. Another special thank you goes to Greg Zornes, who assisted in Dads safe return to Minnesota.

He is survived by his children: Gregory M. Olson (Diane), Margo Stager (Jim), Melinda Kunz (Dale), Melanie Meyer (Larry); grandchildren: Deay, Dara (Tim), Danita (Raleigh), Deanna, Nathan, Amanda, Nicole, Joann, Paul, Mike, Samantha, Landon, Brooke, Diya; and special friend Evelyn Simko.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion (Nelson) Olson; parents, Minnie and Ole Olson; brothers: Carl, Melvin, Russell, Alfred, George, Elra; sisters: Mabel, Olga, Edna, Evelyn, Amelia, and Ramona as well as honorary brothers and sisters of the John and Sarah Phillip family.

Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association.

Organist: Ida Nordvall
Soloist: James Stager
Selections: The Lighthouse,
Soloist: Tim Salvevold
Selection:
Congregational Hymns: What A Friend We Have in Jesus, Amazing Grace
Pallbearers: James Stager, Nathan Stager, Larry Myhrer, Landon Myhrer, Paul Kunz, Michael Kunz, Dale Kunz