Rufus Olson, 93, died Wednesday, June 08, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Monday, June 13, 2011 at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Bob Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow in Bethany Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Sunday, June 12, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Monday.

Rufus Stanley Olson was born at his home in Kratka Township, March 10, 1918. He was the son of Theodore and Anna (Forsberg) Olson. His father died in a farming accident when Rufus was 2 years old. He was raised by his mother, Anna along with his four brothers and one sister.

The Olson family moved to St. Hilaire, where he attended school and graduated in 1935. In May Rufus enlisted in the Navy and served almost 10 years.

He married Violet Larson, December 24, 1941 in Goodridge, MN. After returning from the military they purchased the family farm in Kratka Township in 1945. Rufus and Violet operated a dairy-grain farm. He also worked for the United States Postal Service. Rufus and Violet retired in 1975.

During this period in addition to raising their 3 sons, they opened their home to Violets 2 nephews and niece.

During their retirement they traveled to various National Parks working as volunteers. Rufus and Violet especially enjoyed their work at Holden Village.

Rufus believed in giving something back! Rufus and Violet sponsored at least 12 children over the last 40 years through Childrens Fund and Children International.

Rufus was active in his community. He served on the hospital board for 2 years. He also served on the school board for 9 years during the construction of Franklin and the Vocational School. He served on the boards of Valley Home and Falls DAC. Rufus attended and actively participated in activities at Redeemer and Bethany Lutheran Churches. He was a member of the American Legion.

Rufus was able to enjoy the comfort of his home with the help of County Nursing Services and many wonderful friends. At the time of his death, Rufus was living at Valley Home Assisted Living, where he received wonderful care. He will be missed by his special friend, Marilu Walker.

He is survived by his children: Stan Olson, East Berlin, PA, Myles (Susan) Olson, Thief River Falls, MN, Lyle (Lori) Olson, Thief River Falls, MN, Patricia (Fran) Morone, Lodi, CA, Bob (Jennifer) Larson, Chattanooga, TN and Ken Larson, Hastings, MN; Rufus has 12 grandchildren: Heather (Steve) Willman, Mylynda (Jason) Livingston, Katy Olson, Michael Olson, David (Danielle) Olson, Krist (Stephanie) Olson, Shawn Olson, Michelle Morone, Kristin Morone Campbell, Sarah Larson Ball, Becky Larson Hall and John Larson . He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren; Elise Willman, Anna Willman, Erik Willman, Stella Violet Livingston, Grady Olson, Charlee Olson, Lauren McEnerney, Angelo Morone Campbell, Aidan Campbell, Alex Hall, Logan Hall and Michael Ball.

Rufus was preceded in death by his loving wife Violet in 2001, his parents, and his siblings: Lester, Amos, Ernest, Myles, Iona and infant daughter, Rochelle Ann..

He was a very kind and generous man.