Donald E. Olson

Donny died on May 3, 2005 at the Albert Lea Medical Center. He was 82 years old. Donny was born in New Richland, Minnesota on September 16, 1922, the son of Fred and Betsy Evenson Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at LeSeuer Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. He attended country school in New Richland. On May 4, 1957, Donny was married to Kathleen Arett in Wycoff, Minnesota Donny spent his young years working for farmers in the New Richland area. He worked for Wilson Foods from 1941 to 1983. He was a member of the Local 6 Union and an active member of the Moose Lodge in Albert Lea. Donny's lifelong passion was fishing. He was well known throughout the community for his ability to always find the fish. Stories abound how he could catch one fish after the other, while someone five feet away caught nothing. His other passion was horses. Before retiring, he and his wife Kathy enjoyed raising and showing horses. In the 50's, 60's, and 70's they enjoyed going on trail rides with their friends in Wycoff. He was a former member of the Sunset Saddle Club. He enjoyed camping with friends and family, particularly at St. Olaf Lake in rural New Richland. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, Leah and Taylor, and sharing his knowledge of nature, fishing, and gardening with them. They love hearing stories about his childhood and how life was in the "olden days". Survivors include his wife Kathy, daughter Beth and her husband Bruce Ata and their two children Leah and Taylor, all of Albert Lea; sisters-in-law Bea Olson, Maggie Mikkelson, Evalyn Arrett, Jurine Johnson, Marjorie Barber, Mae Reichow, Libby Maternowski, Marlene Brown, and Karen Arett; brothers-in-law Jerry Arett and Darrel Maternowski; and many nieces and nephews. Donny was preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings Chet Olson, Frieda Knorr, Doris Partington, Kenny Olson, Evelyn Ragen, and Harold Olson. Donny would not want his many friends and family to grieve his death. He always counted himself lucky to have had good health, a good life, a long retirement, and a loving family. He said he was ready to meet the Good Lord and knew we would all meet again in Heaven. Blessed be his memory.