Gerald O. Olson, 95, Mitchell, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at his home.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Mitchell. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Mitchell. Visitation was Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell.
Gerald O. Olson was born July 30, 1918 in Jericho, Iowa to Ole and Julia (Knutson) Olson. After high school, Gerald started his welding career at Schwemle Machine Shop where he worked from 1940 until 1947 and farmed for several years.
In 1952 he opened Olson Welding Shop in Letcher, where he was in business for 40 years. After retirement he moved to Mitchell, where he continued to operate a small repair shop next to his home.
Working was truly his hobby and visiting with his many friends as they stopped by for a quick job. Gardening was also a passion of his.
He is survived by his son, Gerald (Ole) Olson, Kent, Wash.; four daughters, Connie (Loris) Marsden, Covington, Wash., Julie (Terry) Greene, Mitchell, Kayleen (Rick) Rust, Ravensdale, Wash., and Sandra (Randy) Collecchi, Auburn, Wash.; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence (Sally) Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Russell, Edward, Calvin and Arthur; mother of his children, Patricia Campbell Olson; and a great-grandson, Bode Jackson.