Eddie Olson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 7 th 2017. He was 93 years young. Eddie passed away from heart complications.
He was born on April 16 th 1924 in Vida, Montana. He was the son of Chris C. Olson of Minnesota and Olga (Haugen) Olson of Trondheim Norway.
When Eddie was born he was brought home in 1924 to the original log cabin built on the homestead in 1908. The family later moved into a beautiful new home that was built in 1927 and finished in 1928, purchased from the Sears Roebuck catalog!
Eddie graduated from Wolf Point High School. He helped his father and brother’s farm the land until he was called to serve our country.
Eddie proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII and served mostly in Germany. Eddie spoke often of his stories of Germany; the “brauhaus” and his escapades as a “driver” for the officers. Upon completion of his service he rode a Navy ship home across the Atlantic. He said, “The food on that ship was the best I had in all my years of service… certainly better than the food they served us in the Army”!
Eddie’s hobby was music. He was known to play the violin, accordion and guitar.
One of the highlights of Eddies’ life was when he was invited to attend the “Veteran’s Honor Flight”, where US Veterans were invited to visit and tour our Nation’s Capital. He was able to attend with his good friend and neighbor Bernard Wanderaas. They were escorted by Bernard’s grandson David who was also so very good to Eddie. Taking him for rides at the home and spending time reminiscing with him. Eddie enjoyed this honor flight trip so much and spoke of it often as one of his fondest memories.
In 2013, Eddie was honored to be Co-Grand Marshall for the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede along with his friend Bernard Wandaraas.
Eddie was always known for his humor and one-liners. His neighbors loved to stop by and visit and knew they were always in for a fun-filled humorous visit. Eddie never lost his sense of humor even up to the end. While surrounded by family and friends at the hospital, one day he awoke from a nap to find the room filled with people. Eddie said, “Wow I guess I have an audience”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Olga Olson, brothers Clarence Olson, Lawrence Olson and Harry Olson of Vida, sisters Ella DeShaw of Seattle, WA, Wilma Bernard of Winston-Salem, NC and baby sister Ruth of Vida.
Eddie is survived by his sister Clovie Kuehne (105 year old) of Wolf Point, Montana and several nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews as well as great-grand nieces and nephews.
A vigil will be held Thursday August 10 th at 7 PM at the Clayton-Stevenson Funeral home in Wolf Point, MT. Funeral service will be Friday August 11 th at 10 AM at the First Lutheran Church at 415 Johnson St, Wolf Point, MT. Reception immediately following. Interment will be at the Vida Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.