Warren Olson

Warren Howard Olson was born to Morten and Helen Olson on May 21, 1935, on a farm near Grove Lake, MN. He died on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, in Alexandria, MN.

In 1941, the family moved to a farm south of Glenwood, MN. Warren graduated from Glenwood High School in 1953. He attended Moorhead State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Industrial Arts. While at college Warren met his “soul mate”, Pauline Schultz, and married her on January 1, 1958. They were blessed to have sixty-two years together. They were also blessed with two children, a son, Thomas Jon, and a daughter, Jane Marie. Later, their family was blessed with the addition of three wonderful grandchildren, Christopher, Vincent and Amanda.

Warren was hired to set up the Industrial Arts Department at Starbuck, MN in the fall of 1958. In 1967, he received a Master of Science degree in Industrial Arts education. In 1972, Warren received a trade and industry degree to teach the building trades in the high school program. His students built fifteen houses in this program. He was a member of the committee for writing the curriculum and objectives of the carpentry program for the high schools in Minnesota. Warren was one of twelve finalists for teacher of the year in 1974. He spent thirty-five years teaching at Starbuck and Minnewaska High Schools. Following Warren’s retirement from teaching, he enjoyed working with the farm accounts at First National Bank in Starbuck for twelve years. Warren was involved in community work and belonged to the Starbuck Lions Club for fifty years. He held many offices at Fron Lutheran Church including building and remodeling chairman, Sunday School Superintendent and trustee. He also served as a Boy Scouts of America Cubmaster.

In 2005, Warren and Pauline moved to Alexandria. They enjoyed their retirement there very much. They made wonderful new friends and enjoyed their membership at First Lutheran Church.

Warren enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He built most of the furniture in their home. He enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and the many trips the family took. Most important to Warren was his family. He was a devoted brother, husband, father and grandpa.

Warren is survived by his loving wife, Pauline; his son, Thomas Olson and wife, Debra; his daughter, Jane Olson-Kohs and special friend, Dave Ehrenberger; two grandsons, Christopher Kohs and Vincent Kohs and wife, Kalsee; and granddaughter, Amanda Kohs. Also surviving are brothers, Dale Olson and wife, Cathy, and Clyde Olson and wife, Jean; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Stephens and Marilyn Olson; and many nieces and nephews.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Morten, Ronald, Lowell and James; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Olson.

A private memorial service will be held October 5, 2020, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment will be in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.  Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.