Olaus Benhardt Olson

First Obituary notice for O. B. Olson Willmar Tribune July 21, 1920

   " We record this week the passing of O. B. Olson, a well-known resident of this city on Thursday, July 15th, at an age of seventy-one years,  Death was caused by a fatal stroke, the third one suffered during the past few years.  He is survived by his family and a wide circle of relatives.  HIs wife is deceased.  The funeral was held Tuesday, July 20, at the Solomon Lake Church.  The rites being conducted by Rev, S. T. Norman of St. Paul.  Due to very limited space this week the entire obituary will be published next week together with a photograph of the deceased."

******************** Second Obituary ********************** Obit from Willmar Tribune, July 28, 1920

  "O. O. Olson respected citizen of this city and well known in this county in particular passed away to his everlasting reward on July 15th at his home on Nelson Ave after being confined to his bed for nine days, resultant from a fatal affliction of a stroke, one of the three which he has suffered in recent years.  The deceased was a man highly respected in this community and the sad news of his departure has cast a pale of regret over his many friends both in this county and in his former residential location at Driscoll, N. D.

     The late O. B. Olson was born on March 22, 1849, at Holmestrand, Norway forty miles from the capital city, Christiana.  His youth was spent in the homeland until he left his native land in 1865 arriving as an immigrant in the state of Wisconsin.  His location there was brief and soon he found his way to Kandiyohi County settling in Dovre Township.  In 1900 he removed to this city and engaged in the Hardware assuming the firm name of the Willmar Hardware in which he was greatly successful.  In 1910 he left the city for Driscoll, N. D. where he established another hardware house which he discontinued, however, six years ago.  At his death, he was still interested financially in this enterprise.  In this county, he held many civil offices as assessor for six years and constable and supervisor for various terms.

    In 1871 he was united in marriage to Julia Thompson, now deceased, to which spousal six sons, John H., Edward E., and Harry of Willmar, and Martin, William and Lewis od Driscoll, N. D., and six daughters; Minnie at home, Amy L. Olson of Fargo, Mrs. C. A. Bergman of Pennock, Mrs. E. J. Sladin of Mammoth, N.D., Mrs G. E Quist of Grafton, N. D. and Mrs A. E. Melander of Pullman Wash.  The departed is survived by 33 grandchildren and one great-grandchild all of whom mourn the passing of the esteemed ancestor.  All the above were in attendance at the funeral services.  The parents of the departed were Martin and Carrie Williams Olson, both having gone in advance of their beloved son.  The brothers and the sisters of the deceased are, Sam Olson of Ada, Mrs. Tom Thompson of Grove City,  Mrs. Wesley Jenkins of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Hanna Crawford of Sumner, Wash,  Other relatives are Mathias Olson of Valhalla, Canada, and Ellof Rolles of Star City, Iowa.

     The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon at the home at 504 Nelson Ave, at two o'clock and at 3 o'clock at the Solomon Lake Church.  The funeral procession and the attendance at the rites were the largest ever beheld at the Solomon Church and showed that those who respected him were pleased to pay him their last tributes.  Rev. S. T. Norman of St. Paul was the officiating pastor and spoke very highly about the departed and assured the mourning relatives and others that the deceased was fully prepared to cross the dark river into the unknown beyond.  Mr. L. O. Thorpe, an old friend and co-partner in a farming enterprise in Section 18, Town of Dovre, expressed several earnest remarks about the departed friend.

    The contributions of floral tributes was an eloquent evidence of the esteem in which the late Mr. O. B. Olson was held among his friends and all those who in any degree came in contact with his good character.  He was a faithful member of Solomon Lake Church ever since its erection and he had assisted materially in developing the congregation.  The Honorary pallbearers were: L. O. Thorpe, M. O. Thorpe, Kjert Alvig, J. B. Boyd, E. Bergeson, and O. Skafvedahl.  The six sons of the deceased carried their father to his last resting place.  They are Edward E., Harry E., John H., Martin T,. William O. and Lewis B. Olson.  Relatives present at the funeral were: Mr and Mrs. Tom Thompson, Mr. And Mrs. Henry Thompson,  Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Nelson, Mr. B. B. Bresden, Mrs. Nels Langergren and Mrs. Lawrence Liedholm all of Grove City; Mr. Frank Hanson and sister Cora Hanson, both of Litchfield; Mr. Sam Olson, a brother. of Ada., Minnesota; Mrs. Warren of Grove City, and Violet Olson on Finley, N. D.  Rev. Thorwals Rykken rendered a beautiful vocal solo during the services.  A quartette composed of Mrs. Vaaler, Miss Overgaard, P. B. Hong, and Albert Struxness sang two selections at the home, one of which was the well-known hymn, "Just as I Am" which was the favorite hymn of the departed.

    The remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife who left this world last October and whose burial place is in the Solomon Lake Cemetery.  May the cherished memories which crown the name of the departed and respected citizen never fade away by the transition of time but grow in strength as those who remember him shall advance down the eternal path which he trod."