Leonard M. Olson, 79, died unexpectedly while working outside at his home, on Thursday, March 9, 2006 in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at the Abundant Life Lutheran Church with Reverend Wesley Langaas officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service on Tuesday evening and one hour prior to service at the church on Wednesday.

Leonard Morlan Olson was born on June 14, 1926 in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Edwin and Alma (Sletten) Olson. He was baptized in the Lutheran Faith and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. He attended school in Grygla until he was 8 years old and then moved with his family back to Thief River Falls and attended school. He entered the United States Army on August 11, 1944, during World War II when he was 18 years old. While in service Leonard received the Victory Medal, European African Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, three Overseas Bars, Army of Occupation Medal Germany and Good Conduct Medal and was stationed in Germany, France and Austria. He was Honorably Discharged on July 7, 1946. His parents died when he returned home from service and Leonard helped raise his younger siblings.

Leonard was united in marriage, for 52 years, to Marlene Joyce Lappegaard on December 11, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church. He worked for Kiewals Bottling Company as a young man, and then worked for Jopprus delivering meat. He also drove grain truck and in the early 1960s he began working for Hartz Warehouse, retiring after 30 years. While working at Hartz Warehouse, he was in docking and receiving, before moving into the shop, where he serviced the trucks.

He enjoyed playing the fiddle, old time music, farming, lawn work, working on small engines, repairing and tinkering. He was a simple man with strong values. Leonard lived his life as an example for his family. He had a strong faith and read his Bible faithfully.

He was a member of Abundant Life Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the V.F.W. and a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Leonard is survived by his wife Marlene of Thief River Falls, MN; five children: Hollie (Brad) Stewart of Erskine, MN, Lorrie (Randy) Nelson of Newfolden, MN, Randy (Sue Charles) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Darcy (Jerald) Larson of Waverly, MN and Jeanine (Clayton) Molstad of Thief River Falls, MN; 15 grandchildren: Jamie Stewart (fianc, Colton Determan), Lisa Stewart, Chadrik Swanson, Nicholas Swanson, Carissa (Jeremy) McDougall, Jonette Helmeke, Destiny Olson, Caleb Olson, Ashton Olson, Jennifer (Mark) Anderson, Scott Larson, Jessica Molstad, Kyle Molstad, Derek Molstad, and Daniel Molstad; five great grandchildren: Ryan McDougall, Roselyn McDougall, Jesse McDougall, Alexia Swanson and Bethany Helmeke; 5 step grandchildren Kassie, Brandon, Kristina, Kristin Bryant Nelson; 5 step great grandchildren, Heidi, Justin, Felicity, Austin, Emily; one brother, Amorin (Elody) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN; one sister, Deloris Hoglo of Thief River Falls, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers: Erwin, Orvis, Herbert and infant brother, Morris.

ORGANIST: Bev Kays
SPECIAL MUSIC: The Grothe family
SELECTIONS: The Old Rugged Cross CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art and Battle Hymn of the Republic
CASKETBEARERS: Craig Olson, Brian Olson, Mike Olson, Gary Hoglo, Jeremy McDougall and Eddie Olson