Eugene Robert Olson

Eugene "Gene" Robert Olson passed away on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN, at the age of 72. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Finnish Apostolic Cemetery in Moe Township at 3:00 PM.

Eugene “Gene” Robert Olson was born on June 1, 1954, in Warrenton, Virginia, to Robert and Lillian (Josephson) Olson. He was one of three children. At just six months old, Gene moved with his family to the Philippines as his father’s career with the CIA took the family around the world. Gene began his schooling in Germany, and the family later lived in England and Okinawa, where Gene graduated from high school, and then moved to Taiwan.

Gene returned to the United States to pursue his education, attending college in Minnesota and Michigan and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, he spent time with his parents and siblings in Greece before returning once again to the United States. He eventually made the Twin Cities of Minnesota his home and began a career in research and development, first with Pillsbury and later with Aveda.

Gene eventually moved to Brandon, Minnesota, and he spent the majority of his career with Donnelly Manufacturing. He worked there for many years, finishing his career as a supervisor before retiring in 2024.

Gene found great enjoyment in the outdoors. He was an avid bird watcher and especially loved feeding hummingbirds. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He had a green thumb and took pride in his vegetable and flower gardens. Some of his favorite memories were made on fishing trips with friends and his brother, traveling to lakes and waterways throughout Minnesota and the Boundary Waters.

Gene was a mild-mannered, quiet, and understanding man with a naturally curious mind. He was exceptionally intelligent and had a genuine thirst for knowledge. When Gene became interested in a subject, he researched it thoroughly, often knowing far more about it than most people could keep up with. He approached life with a positive outlook and rarely, if ever, had a negative word to say about others. He will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful son, brother, and uncle who brought a quiet steadiness to the lives of those around him.

Eugene Robert Olson passed away on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN, at the age of 72. He is survived by his mother, Lily Olson; brother, Greg (LaRae) Olson; brother-in-law, Rusty Jorgensen; nieces, Stephanie, Jessica, Jillian and Michelle; nephew, Benjamin; great-niece, Lydia; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gene is preceded in death by his father, Robert Olson; and sister, Sharon Jorgensen.