Gary Lee Olson

In Loving Memory of

Gary Lee Olson

Gary Lee Olson was born on January 15, 1936, to Carl and Anna Lindberg Olson. He grew up on multiple farms in Des Moines River Township, Murray County, Minnesota, and attended Slayton High School.  He was the youngest of 6 children, being the only son with 5 older sisters who constantly spoiled him. His love for his country led him to enlisting in the United States Army on December 3, 1958. Due to his father’s failing health, he came home to take over the family farm but continued to serve in the Army reserves until he was honorably discharged in November 1964.  On November 7, 1959, he and Lucille Ketelboeter were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie, MN.  Following their marriage, they farmed east of Slayton and raised their two children, Randy & Michele. His children remember spending countless hours following their dad around the farm and riding with their dad in the combine.  The grandkids have fond memories of sitting on grandpa’s lap as he taught them how to drive.  Gary met the love of his life (Lucy) in Currie, MN and knew she was “the one” the moment he saw her. Gary always put his loving wife & family ahead of any need or want he had he was known to never miss a holiday without finding his wife the perfect card.  With his family first mentality, he and Lucy moved to Mankato, MN in October 2019 to be near his children and grandchildren.  Being so close he loved frequently watching his grandkids’ sporting and schooling events. He had a sparkle in his eye, and a smile on his face every time he saw the ones he loved.  Gary loved to tell stories from his childhood, military time, as well as sharing the pride he took in creating the family farm. He loved his annual deer hunting weekend with his son and grandson as well as Sundays spent watching Nascar races.  In June 2021 Gary moved to Birchwood Cottages in North Mankato.  He passed away there on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the age of 85.  He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton.  

Survivors include his wife, Lucille Olson, two children, Randy Olson and Michele (Olson) Herding all of Mankato, MN, four grandchildren, Morgan Olson, Ryley, Malorie and Macy Herding, one sister, Joyce Larson of Edgerton, MN, and family friend, Paul Herding.  He is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and their spouses, Kay and George Wilkison, Phyllis and Lee Holmberg, Mariett and Don Wahl and Donna and Milen Lange, and one brother-in-law, Alvin Larson.

Funeral Services

St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist is Judy Andrews.  The song leader is Rita Lear.  The pallbearers are Jim Wahl, Harvey Larson, Rick Manderscheid, Todd Neilson, Gary McCarter, Steve Lange.  Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN.  Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post and the Slayton VFW Post.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday. 

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