Jeff Olson, 52 of Newfolden, MN died on Monday, August 16, 2010 at Sanford Health in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Evangelical Free Church, Newfolden, MN with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Viking Cemetery, Rural Viking, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Thursday at the church.

Jeffrey DuWayne Olson was born on June 16, 1958 in Virginia, MN the son of DuWayne and Janice (Dau) Olson. Jeff graduated from Marshall County Central High School, with the class of 1976.

As a child, growing up on a farm near Newfolden, Jeff had a great fascination with any of Gods creatures, from barn spiders to chickens to horses and everything in between. When it came time for show and tell in elementary school, Jeff always brought the most unusual, yet interesting things that were often found during his explorations on the farm. One of Jeffs first forays into raising animals was the flock of pigeons he raised, followed by ducks, geese, peacocks, guinea hens and chickens. Jeff was always happy when the Murray McMurray poultry catalog would arrive in his mailbox. He treasured these catalogs and spent many hours reading them, never parting with them.

Jeff farmed with his family raising small grains and corn. Together they also raised pigs, sheep and cattle. In the later years, he and his mother, Janice had horses and this is where he developed a love for Belgium horses. For several years he and his team of Belgiums pulled the sleigh that brought Santa to Newfolden for Santa Day.

Jeff worked for Lindemoen Farms in Newfolden from spring seeding to fall harvest. He also worked in the off season for his friend, Robin Swanson at Swanson Meat Market in Karlstad, MN.

Gardening, feeding wild birds, ice fishing and hunting were some of his favorite hobbies. Jeff was a mentor to his nephews on their first deer hunt. He attended gun safety training with them, taught them to sight in their rifles and shared in their pride when they shot their first deer. Jeff became the family cook, preparing wonderful pies, turkey and stuffing for holiday meals.

Although Jeff never had children of his own, his pride and joy were his nieces and nephews. He took a special interest in their lives and they always knew that they could count on him. He also had a close relationship with his cousin, Janelle and was especially fond of her children, Jack, Hannah, Rebekah and Julia.

Jeff was a man of few words and a wonderful listener. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed his help. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends who loved him.

Jeff is survived by his sisters and brother, Deb Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Joel (Rhonda) Olson of Newfolden, MN and Denise Olson (Jim LaCoursiere) of Red Lake Falls, MN; nieces and nephews, Carissa Olson of Moorhead, MN, Jerica Olson of Moorhead, MN, Joshua Walsh of Grand Forks, ND, Jared Walsh of Dundas, MN and Jordanne Walsh of Dundas, MN; many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Janice and DuWayne Olson; sister, Dawn Walsh; grandparents, Ingrid and Venus Dau and Mabel and Willie Olson; his faithful dog, Raven as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Organist: Bev Lindstrom
Pianist: Judy Hogberg
Special Music: Myles and Judy Hogberg

Casketbearers: Joshua Walsh, Jared Walsh, Randy Walsh, Randy Olson, Robin Swanson, David Jenson, John Umber, Glenn Meekma, Clyde Swenson, Jeff Davidson and Ric Lindahl
Honorary Casketbearers: Jeffs Nieces and Nephews, Carissa Olson, Jerica Olson, Joshua Walsh, Jared Walsh and Jordanne Walsh