Wayne D. Olson

Wayne D. Olson, 81, of Warren, MN, died of complications due to Covid-19, on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, in North Star Manor's Covid Unit. All his family, either in-person or remotely, were present by his window as he drew his final breath.

Wayne Dennis was born on December 19, 1938, in Thief River Falls, MN, to Marcus and Sarah “Freida” (Waller) Olson. His lifelong love for farmwork began in his early childhood on the family farm along the banks of the Red Lake River. He attended the Northwest School of Agriculture (the “AC”) in Crookston, MN, graduating in 1957. On August 2 of that year, Wayne was united in marriage to Shirley Hanson. The young couple made their home in Thief River Falls for a number of years before Wayne's job (coupled with their own love for travel) had them embark on numerous cross-country relocations including other towns in Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, and Wyoming. They raised six children, got to enjoy their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even welcomed great-great-grandchildren.

Wayne worked in the Cement division of DOW Chemical for most of his career; and most of that was spent traveling to different oil fields. After the company's merger with Schlumberger, his travels became international too, with his expertise being needed in Malaysia, Siberia, and Borneo (where it's told that monkeys would steal his shoes). After he retired in the early 2000s, he and Shirley split their time between Arizona and Minnesota, finally setting in Warren. In every place they lived, the two put their faith first, seeking out a Lutheran Church where they would worship and volunteer. Though he never had much time for hobbies, Wayne always took time to hunt each year and helped local farmers where he could. His last spring as a farmhand was in 2018.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley; his children, Sherryl (Alan) Koop, Pamela (Wayne) Pearson, Sandra (Ralph) Swick, David (Patricia) Olson, Stephen (Tana) Olson, and Mary Beth (A.C.) Percifield; sisters, Judeen (Ron) Bjerke and Phyllis Koropatnicki; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant sister.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Warren.

PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE: Sunday, November 8, 2020, at 2:00 PM, in Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS), Warren, MN.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN, after 3:15 PM.
NOTES: The funeral will be limited to the family only. The public is welcome to the cemetery provided they wear masks and social-distance properly.