Lester R. “Ole” Olson

Monday, March 2, 2020 5:53 pm

Lester R. “Ole” Olson, 89, of Decorah, passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2020, at Wellington Place in Decorah. Memorial services are at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at First Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Melissa Bills officiating. Inurnment is in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah in the spring. Visitation begins at 12 p.m. Saturday, one hour before the service, at First Lutheran Church. The service will be followed by a luncheon.

Lester Raymond Olson was born May 7, 1930, in Decorah, the son of Alfred C. and Marie T. (Kvam) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran in Decorah. Lester graduated Decorah High School with the class of 1949.

He was united in marriage to Ruth M. (Meyer) Olson Sept. 30, 1961, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New Albin. This union was blessed with two children, Joan and Alan.

In 1950 he volunteered for the Army serving as a paratrooper, later he worked as an employee of the Postal Service for some 29 years until his retirement.

Lester was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church. He enjoyed a passion for cards, hunting and fishing, along with other outdoor activities. An excellent bowler, he had several perfect games. A skilled wood worker and carpenter he spent time in his retirement remodeling the Olson home. “Ole” also greatly enjoyed the company of his family, friends and acquaintances.

Lester became a resident of Wellington Place in 2015.

He is survived by his two children, Joan M. Olson of Omaha, Neb. and Alan P. (Lynn Bielby) Olson of Decorah; his sister-in-law, Belva Kruse of Eitzen, Minn.; and two grandchildren, Mitchell Allen (Joan Olson) Creamer and Samantha Ruth (Joan Olson) Creamer.

He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 46 years, Ruth, July 21, 2008; his parents; his sister Gerda (Nelson-Olson) Sersland; and his brother Arnold Olson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa (HSNEI), 2345 Millennium Road, Decorah, IA 52101.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.