Roy Eugene Olson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce our dad, Roy Olson’s passing on December 30^th, 2023, at his home. He was 67 years old. A memorial service is planned for 2PM Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home with visitation to be held Friday, January 12 from 5-7PM and for an hour prior to the service.

Roy-Boy was born in Albert Lea on August 13^th 1956, to LaVerne and Vera Olson (Kaushagen). He was a 1974 graduate of Albert Lea Senior High where he excelled in playing trumpet in band.  With music being a priority in Roy’s life, his first job was with Jacobson Music Company. He also played with the Blue Banners, being one of the youngest members.

In March of 1976, Roy married Sheryl Flowers.  They moved to Bemidji so he could pursue a degree in music at Bemidji State University.  After living in Bemidji for a year, they moved back to Albert Lea to be closer to family.  Roy worked at Enderes Tool Company and A.L. Tire Warehouse before owning his own car detailing shop, Royal Car Cleaning Center. One of his main customers, Motor Inn, admired his work so much that they decided to hire him to run their detailing department. He did so for 34 years.  He took pride in his work. It was a hard-working, physical job, and Roy considered every vehicle a challenge.  He was well known in the community for the quality of his work.

Throughout the years, Roy enjoyed ice fishing at Lyback’s Resort on Mille Lacs Lake, turkey hunting, bow hunting, camping in his yellow VW bus, sharing stories around the fire, and listening to his favorite music.  Roy’s children will always remember the countless memories that were made on these adventures.  Roy loved the role of “Grampie”.  His grandchildren meant the world to him and he was so proud of them. Although Roy and Sheryl later divorced, they remained friends.

Roy did not see himself as a “people person”, but people were the most important part of his life. His family and friends were all so very special to him. Roy was very witty and could make anyone laugh. He was the king of “Ole and Lena” jokes and loved to tell funny stories. He was truly one of a kind and was always the life of the party.

Roy is survived by his sister, Deb (Gene) Drasher and family; his children Stacy Florek (Vern), Laura Olson (Sean), and Troy Olson (Anna); his grandchildren McKenzie, Conner, Hunter Florek, and Iris Olson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, LaVerne Olson, his mother Vera Olson, sister Jan Johnson; Grandma Arlene Olson; Cousins Kurt Kaushagen and Trudy Kaushagen; in-laws Grace Flowers and Chuck Flowers; and many other special loved ones, including the four-legged companions.

Roy had a big laugh and a heart of gold that will be missed by many.

The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home YouTube page at the following link:  https://youtube.com/live/QlJcOayE1_4?feature=share