Roger C.Olson, 73

Roger C. Olson

Blue Earth Roger Clifford Olson, age 73, died peacefully on Nov. 5, 2012, at Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice house in Victoria.

Funeral services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth Nov. 9, 2012. Interment of ashes will be at Chokio Lutheran Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.

Roger and wife, Elaine, were born and raised in the Chokio area, raised their family in Blue Earth and currently reside on Bass Lake near Winnebago.

Roger was born March 31, 1939, in Morris to Clifford Henry Olson and Anna Marie (Wade). Roger was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Chokio and graduated from Chokio High School in 1957. Roger enlisted in the Army and served in Germany until 1959.

Roger married Elaine Esther Quackenbush on Oct. 18, 1964, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio. Roger began his love of the grocery business as a young man and eventually co-owned Red Owl stores in Blue Earth, Albert Lea, Wells, and Waseca, operating as Rog and El’s. He loved the daily interaction with the people of the community and truly valued his employees, their hard work and fellowship. He retired in 2011 from Carlson Craft keeping his co-workers honest and laughing along the way.

Roger and family were long time, faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, celebrating many proud family moments there through the years. Roger enjoyed being an active member in his community through involvement in the Trinity Lutheran Congregation Council, the Lions Club, the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, and Basswood Park Association.

Roger was survived by Elaine, his wife of 48 years; daughters: Anne (Pete) Voas, Cynthia (Chris) Crayne, and Jennifer Olson (Jon Colby); grandchildren: Erinn Voas, Abbie Voas, Sean Crayne, Nicholas Crayne, Claire Crayne, Madeline Jagerson, and Marley Jagerson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brothers: Russell Olson and Kenneth Olson.

Roger will be remembered by a large extended family with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and the Quackenbush in-laws. Rog and Elaine’s circle of friends extend in many directions from Chokio to their current ‘home on the lake’ in Basswood Park, where books detailing the exploits of Ole and Lena are never far from reach.

Roger will be remembered by all for his love of family, his faith, and his commitment to his community.

Go Twins! Vikes! Gophers and Bucs!

Memorials are asked to be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund or Blue Earth Area Mentors. In addition, they invite all to perform random act of kindness (or practical jokes).