Obituary of Paul Olson

Paul Raymond Olson, born July 27, 1928 in Wyanett Township, Isanti Co, MN to parents David and Ellen Olson. His childhood was spent in the Karmel community where he attended eight grades at the one room Karmel School Dist. #33. It was during this time he excelled in Declamatory contests and went to State competition. His entry was "Girls, not Cats." He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1947. He attended the Karmel Mission Covenant Church and at age 11 he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. That was the most important decision he ever made. On Oct. 2, 1954 he married Carole Jean Larson. They remained on the family farm until 6 months after the passing of his father. They moved to Minneapolis in 1955. They continued to attend Karmel Covenant Church every weekend until 1970. He was Sunday School superintendent and picked up many children weekly to bring them to church. Paul was employed by Federal Stampings and continued at Dayton Rogers after they bought the company. His employment totaled 41 years. He was a valued employee who missed very few days of work. Paul & Carol were blessed with three daughters-Becky, Beth & Paula and later three wonderful Christian sons-in-law, Doug, John, & Mel. Then along came those precious five grandchildren-Sam, Nathaniel, Ted, Emily and Luke. They were the joy of his life. Paul was a member of St. Louis Park Evangelical Free Church for 40 years. He served in many positions including Sunday School teacher, deacon, and greeter. They resided in St. Louis Park for 41 years and moved to a Gramercy Park Cooperative (Sr. housing) in Plymouth in June 2002. They have enjoyed the "family like" living there and have gained many friends. In 1987 they purchased Carole's great-grandparents farm and restored the house with the help of many friends and brother, Harley. It has been such a blessing and Paul enjoyed as much time there as possible. It has also been a joy for reunions and especially the grandchildren who like all the open space with so many things to do. Paul was on the board of Camp Cherith for 10-15 years. He spent many weekends making repairs or helping with building before summer camp and during camp he was a counselor and later years the "Camp Grandpa" for Boys week. He could be found daily on the pontoon with his box of worms, teaching, detangling, and assisting the fishing classes. He loved Camp Cherith! Paul had a second job as a Handyman to subsidize the family income so Carole could stay home to raise the girls. Many a job was a challenge and he learned a lot as he worked in various situations. He was always "booked up". He would tell you the hardest part was to charge people as he would rather be a "helper". Paul loved life and people-no matter the race and creed. He was a great witness for the Lord-wherever he would go. He didn't hide his Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Reynold and Vernon, baby sister Helen and sister Marvel Lindquist. Paul is survived by his wife Carole of 55 years, daughters and their husbands; Becky & Doug Nelson, Beth & John Beebe, Paula & Mel Vander Schaaf, and grandchildren; Emily Nelson, Samuel & Ted Beebe, Nathaniel & Luke Vander Schaaf, sister Arlene Selin of Dalbo, brother Harley and wife Yvonne Olson of Princeton, as well as many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.