Sanford Allen Olson

Sanford Allen Olson (1943 - 2025)

Sanford Olson departed this life on May 10, 2025, at his home in Alexandria, MN, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Sanford was born on October 9, 1943, in Starbuck, MN, to Chester and Esther (Pederson) Olson. He married Clara Mehrhoff of Long Prairie on July 24, 1964, at Little Sauk Lutheran Church.

Sanford worked as a gardener for Bachman’s Floral in Minneapolis and Northside Floral in Alexandria, MN, before taking a factory job at 3M where he was employed for 33 years with perfect attendance. After retirement, he worked with Gardenville Cooperative for 11 years while running Sanford Olson Handyman Service (S.Oh.S.). Sanford was also a property manager and entrepreneur.

Sanford never wavered in his love for his family or his commitment to living life fully. He was a devoted husband to Clara for 60 years and a loving father of two children, a grandfather of five, and a great-grandfather of eight. He believed in the power of family and dedicated his life to creating a loving and supportive home. He was an inspiration to everyone he met.

Sanford served his community as a member of the 3M Kindness Club, the Lions Club, the Eagles Club, a Let’s Go Fishing volunteer, a council member at Bethesda Lutheran Church, a Sunday School teacher and a mentor.

Sanford will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness and playful nature. His Polka dance moves were second to none and his dedication to family and friends touched so many. He never met a stranger.

A visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Sunday, June 8th, from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 PM.  The funeral service will be held on Monday, June 9, at 11 a.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN; family visitation will start one hour prior. The service will be live-streamed. A burial service will follow at East Zion Lutheran Church in Starbuck, MN, at 5 p.m.

Sanford is survived by his wife, Clara Olson, daughters, Lisa (Shane) Henrichs and Kerry (Jason) Browen; grandchildren Justin (Amy) Henrichs, Carley Kay (Henrichs), Jordan (Grace) Henrichs, AJ (Ashley) Browen and Sam Browen. Great grandchildren: Taylor (Titus Fuller), Ryland, Alyssa, Kendra, Tenley, Piper, Dawson and Sebreia; sisters Beverly Fischer, Sandy Hoff, Janet Lundebrek, Ruth (Don) Schwanke, Naomi (Fred) Anderson; brother Neil Olson; sister-in-law Terry (Olson) Gleason, LuAnn Olson and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished lifelong friends.

Sanford was preceded in death by parents Chester Olson and Esther (Pederson) Olson; brothers Robert Olson, Charles Olson, and David Olson; niece Kristi (Hoff) Krause, nephew Richard Lundebrek; in-laws Fred and Helen (Fischer) Mehrhoff, Bradley Loken, Kenny Fischer, Lois Olson, Kenny Hoff, and Richard Lundebrek Sr.

The family requests that outdoor plants be used for Sanford’s beloved gardens instead of cut flowers.  Memorials are preferred to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.