Dr. Stephen Olson, 59, of rural Red Lake Falls, MN died on Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at his home. Arrangements with Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls with Father Tim Bushy Officiating. Burial will be held in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN.
Visitation will be held on Friday 5 " 8 PM with a 7:30 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Stephen John Olson was born August 24, 1941 at Grafton, ND son of Fritz D. and Jane (Kadlec) Olson. He was raised at Robin, MN until 1951 when he moved with his family to Red Lake Falls, MN. He attended school at St. Joseph Catholic School until the 8th grade then graduated from Lafayette High School in 1959. Stephen entered the US Navy in 1959 and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan until his honorable discharge in 1962. On August 21, 1968 he was united in marriage to Susan Bentzinger at Sioux Falls, SD.
He earned an Associate in Arts degree from Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, OR and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University. After teaching Social Studies at the East Grand Forks Senior High School, he went to Kent State University for his Masters Degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies. He then worked for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health in Chattanooga, TN for three years.
Dr. Olson earned his Doctor of Education degree in 1977 in Psychology, Counseling and Guidance from the University of Northern Colorado where he also taught for 2 years. He spent 15 years as a School Psychologist in Northwest, Minnesota and since 1991 has been psychologist at Northwestern Mental Health Center in Crookston.
Stephen loved his family and the time spent with them. He spent a great amount of time with his horses and cattle and enjoyed his farm. He was in the Red Lake Falls Flying club, was past president of the Lions Club, a member of the American Legion Post in Red Lake Falls, MN, was very active at the St. Joseph Catholic Church and most recently was chairperson of the Faith For Tomorrow Campaign, serving on the School Board at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Susan Olson of Red Lake Falls, MN; daughter Sarah Olson of Dilworth, MN; grandson Riley Thompson of Dilworth, MN; brother James Andy (Julie) Olson of Annandale, MN: Mother-in-law Lovella Bentzinger of Sioux Falls, SD; brother-in-law William (Bev) Bentzinger of Sioux Falls, SD; one niece Megan Bentzinger and four nephews John Olson, Joshua Olson, Ian Bentzinger and Andrew Elias. Stephen is preceded in death by his parents.

PIANIST: Polly Beyer
FLOUTIST: Mary Derosier
VIOLIN: Marjorie Schafer
TRUMPET: Jim Schmitz
SPECIAL MUSIC: St. Joseph Church Choir
CASKET BEARERS: Roger Thibert, Owen Nelson, Bob Schafer, Keith Mills, Otis Wilson, Mike Anderson:
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion Post of Red Lake Falls, MN