Alvin G. Olson, age 93, of Isanti died August 16, 2017 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, SEPTEMBER 2nd at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service. Alvin is survived by two sons, Robert and Steven, and other family and friends.
Alvin George Olson was born April 23, 1924 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Edward and Gunda Olson. He grew up in Grand Forks, ND into a loving family. Soon after high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He received an honorable discharge due to health issues and immediately joined the U.S. Forest Service and served in Montana. He worked for his brother Henry for a time in Mandan packing and delivering produce. Al was a Master Mason, Shriner, Knights Templar, carpenter, and worked as a construction superintendent for most of his life. He started his carpenter apprenticeship in Grand Forks and his “honoring way with people” was soon discovered. He was very quickly advanced to carpenter foreman and then superintendent. He mentored many people in his Masonic lodges and his carpenter career. He brought light to any room or situation. His lightheartedness and humor were infectious. He was always supportive to his family’s endeavors. A caring and giving man with a clear sense of altruistic views. He enjoyed helping others. He also enjoyed nature, animals, many hobbies, and chatting with friends. He retired at age 70 because he loved his work. He enjoyed 23 years of retirement and shortly after his wife, Betty, died, he moved to his son Bob’s farm and enjoyed country living for 12 years. Al made a good practice of honoring himself by honoring others. He will be deeply missed by many.
Al is survived by sons, Steven and Robert; grandson, James; great-granddaughter, Shannon Olson-Dykes; great-great-grandson, Nathanial; sister-in-law, Shirley (Merryman); brother-in-law; John Teig (Irene); nieces and nephews; and his beloved cats, Johnnie and Blackie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; daughter, Pamela; father, Edwin; mother, Gunda (Overby); sisters, Ruth (Ralph Adams), Helen (Albert Schmisek), Ethel (Roy Johnson); brothers, Henry (Ida), Clifford (Evelyn), Edward; sister-in-law, Delma (Russell Page); and mother-in-law, Viola (Cornelius Teig, Siegfred Marcussen and Hugh O’Connor).