Services for Rodney M. Olson

Rodney M. Olson, 74, of Berner, MN, died on Monday, April 30, 2018 at his home in Berner, MN surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at United Lutheran Church in Berner, MN with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at United Lutheran Cemetery in Berner, MN. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements. 

He was born in Bagley, Minnesota on June 20, 1943 to Howard and Ruth (Erickson) Olson. Rodney worked with his uncles, Albert and Victor, farming and helping with his siblings around their home farm as well. He also worked at the Potato House. He married Joan Widseth on July 11, 1964 at United Lutheran in Berner, MN. They moved to Mcville, ND together, where Rodney worked for Johnny Swansted’s farm in the grain and feed lots. After North Dakota, the family moved to McIntosh, MN. There, he worked at the Creamery on the feed truck and then at Burslie’s, working with Johnny Rost. Next, they moved to Oklee for a bit where Rodney worked for Earl Swenson. Later, they settled in the Gonvick area, where he and Joan opened a café called Felix. He went on to work for Del-Lynn Farms and then at Dean’s Service. He became a certified GMC Mechanic while working at Jasperson’s Chevrolet. He also worked with Duane Wagner and at Molden’s. Lastly, Rodney worked at the Bagley Cenex for many years until he retired in 2006 at the age of 62 due to his rotary cuff injury.

He enjoyed cruising the countryside, listening to Saturday Night RFD, Dancing two step and polka, drinking Busch Light, and hunting and fishing. He loved horses and even helped out with 4-H for time with Joan. Rodney loved to tinker around and paint vehicles. He was a great cook and baker, and always made more than enough for everyone. His bean soup recipe was the best around. He enjoyed canning, pickling, and making jerky. He truly liked meeting new people and visiting, and spending time with his family, especially with his grandkids. He will be very missed.

He is survived by his children, Lori (Larry) Voeltz, Jeff (Laura) Olson, Gene (Lillie) Olson, Gerald Olson, and Kristie Olson; his grandchildren, Travis and Ryan Voeltz, Justin, Nicholas, and Christopher Olson, Donovan Dixon, Alex, Violet, and Diane Olson, Lynsey and Kaitlyn Morris, and Peyton and Mason Williams;   two great grandchildren, Taelynn and Devin Voeltz; his siblings, Janice Svalen, Jerry Olson, Elaine Mrazek, and Mary Pond; his half siblings, James Olson, Kathy Edelman, and Gary Olson; his sister-in-law, Lurene Olson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Olson; his parents, Howard Olson and Ruth Hanson; his granddaughter, Carrie Olson; his brother, Ronald Olson; his sister, Eloise Johnson; his brothers-in-law, Frank Svalen and Eugene Pond; and his niece, Marcia Jackson.

Rodney’s family would like to give a special thanks to Christopher for all his help and always going above and beyond with his Grandpa.

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com