Russell W. Olson was born April 22, 1928, in Murdock, Minnesota, the son of Ole and Ada (Wall) Olson. He died on Monday, November 14, 2011, at the St. Cloud Hospital. He attained the age of 83 years, 6 months, and 22 days. Russell grew up north of Murdock. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On February 10, 1954, Russell was united in marriage to Lucille Louise Schwendemann. They were blessed with four children and three foster children. Together they were able to share in 53 years of marriage. Russell farmed the land and milked dairy cows his entire life. They made their home north of Murdock. Russell was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburg, and served on the church board. He served as a Hospice Volunteer and was a former 4-H Leader. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Honor Guard; and he served on the boards of the Sunburg Community Center and Agralite Roundup. Among the things he enjoyed were fishing, pinochle, and visiting with family and friends. Russell is survived by his children: Kathryn (Lennie) Vogelpohl of Murdock, DuWayne (Shirley) Olson of Hutchinson, Diane (Gordon) Larson of Litchfield, and Darrel (Lisa) Olson of Cottonwood; foster children: Carroll (Mary) Boe of Hammond, IN, David (Kerrie) Lassell of Baldwin, WI and JoAnne (Craig) Bier of Mitchell, SD; eight grandchildren: Rodney, Nathan, Audrey (Tom), James (Lisa), Alan, Paul (Sara), Nicholas, and Erin; ten foster grandchildren: Renee, Carroll, Raymond, Cody, Tyler, Jasmine, Jackie, Ben, Joshua and Beth; ten great grandchildren: Emily, Jack, Gina, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Logan, Hunter, Nevaeh, Shelby, and Bianca; siblings: Ardell (Margie) Olson, Donnie (Viola) Olson and Leona (Ronnie) Blowers; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Lucy in 2007; and his parents Ole and Ada.
