Melvin Olson, 91, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 1 PM, Friday, November 28, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow in Reiner Cemetery, rural Goodridge, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.

Melvin Arnold Olson was born on November 26, 1916 on the family farm in rural Goodridge to Peder and Mathilda (Johnson) Olson. He was raised speaking Norwegian in his younger years until he went to school where he had to learn English. He was confirmed at Reiner Church east of Goodridge. He went to school through the 8th grade and his favorite thing about school was playing ball. Melvin then stayed home and helped his dad on the family farm.

Melvin was drafted into the US Army in 1942. He was sent overseas right away. He was stationed in the jungles of the South Pacific. He was a medic. Melvin returned home from the service and went to work for Carly Elg. He did mechanic work, wrecker calls, car repairs, and installing septic tanks. He then did janitor work at Arctic Cat for 10 years and also worked at the turkey plant.

Melvin was married twice; his first wife was Ione McKeever and 2nd wife Margaret Blue. In his younger years Melvin always drove Fords. The Chevrolets never held up for me, he said. He liked his big LTDs that he had. My 49 convertible was fast. I never liked the mustang because it had a poor heating system. In my younger years, I liked chasing women and drinking.

Melvin enjoyed visiting family and friends, listening to polka music, watching the birds at the Thief River Care Center, and had a special bond with his daughter, Norma.

He is survived by five children: Norma (Kip) McLean of Thief River Falls, MN, Norman Olson of Glyndon, MN, Richard Olson of Dilworth, MN, Duane Olson of Fargo, ND, Douglas Olson of Bismarck, ND and Barbara Flateland of Fosston, MN; step-son, Bobby (Wendy) Blue of Moorhead, MN; 18 grandchildren, Ashley, Kelly, Jason, Rachael, Tiffany, Emma, Margaret, Brandi, Amanda, Jesse, Cody, McKenzie, RJ, Nichole, Jeremy, Tasha, Tyler, Tanner; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Wyett, Emma, Keyasha, Gabriela, Quinn; nephew, Donnie Anderson of Thief River Falls

Melvin was preceded in death by his two wives, Ione McKeever and Margaret Olson, parents, two brothers, Martin and Gilbert, two sisters: Inga and Petra.

CASKETBEARERS: Douglas Olson, Richard Olson, Duane Olson, Norman Olson, Robert Wold and Brian Jones
HONORARY CASKETEARERS: All Melvins grandchildren
MILITARY HONORS: Thief River Falls VFW and American Legion Posts.