Paul J Olson

Paul Jennings Olson was born in Montevideo, Minnesota on January 18, 1944 to Elvin and Inga (Ree) Olson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan.  Paul attended country school for several years and then attended Milan High School where he graduated, Class of 1962.  After high school, Paul joined the Minnesota National Guard where he earned the rank of First Lieutenant.  He also began farming with his Dad on their home farm near Milan.  On December 17, 1966 he was united in marriage to Cathy Schmidt at First United Methodist Church in Appleton.  This union was blessed with over 52 years together and two children: Christopher and Melissa.

Paul farmed until 1985 and then went to work for Larson Gravel.  Later he worked for Duininck Brothers Construction, where he retired after 20 years.  Upon retirement, he and Cathy moved to a home in Appleton.  Paul was a life-long member of Kviteseid Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.  He also served on the Milan Elevator Board of Directors for several years.  Paul was Co-Chairperson of the Milan Bi-Centennial celebration with Sally Thompson.  He always said “Sally was the brains and I was the brawn!”  Paul was a member of the Milan American Legion Post #359 and AMVETS Post #151 in Appleton.  He enjoyed working in the yard, tending to the flowers and trees, and making sure the lawn was always mowed.

Paul passed away Thursday, November 7, 2019 in Appleton Area Health.  He attained 75 years, 9 months, and 19 days of age. Paul is survived by his wife, Cathy Olson of Appleton; children: Christopher (Becky) Olson of Fargo, ND and Melissa (Robert) Enevoldsen of Montevideo; two grandsons: Chase and Blake Olson; brother-in-law, Cary (Yvonne) Schmidt of Burnsville; two nieces: Sara (Rolando) Carranza and Kate Schmidt; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Inga Olson; his parents-in-law, Alvin and Evelyn Schmidt; and his foster-brother, Darwin Lovhaug.

Blessed be the memory of Paul J. Olson.