Leland Wayne Olson

Leland "Butch" Wayne Olson was born July 4, 1953 in Park Rapids, Minnesota. His parents were the late Ansel Cecil and Ruth Aliina (Liimatta) Olson. Early life for Leland was filled with medical hardships as he was born with a birth defect whereby, he had to learn to swallow. He spent most of his first year in the St. Joseph's Hospital where his nurses, "Catholic Nuns" gave him the nickname of "Butch", which remained with him throughout his life. Later in his young years, he spent many summers at Camp Courage.

Leland graduated from Menahga High School in 1971 and furthered his education at Detroit Technical College, obtaining a Boiler Technician License. He worked at Gateway Industries with his father, as a forklift operator. In 1980, he moved to the Twin Cities area where he was employed at Kurt Manufacturing in Fridley, Minnesota, and where he spent the next 17 years. He moved back to Menahga and began his employment with RDO/Lamb-Weston in Park Rapids on September 18th, 2002, where he retired on October 14th, 2015. He enjoyed his time working at Lake Country Foods part-time after his retirement, greeting and talking with all those who came to shop at the grocery store. He also volunteered his time watering the plants in the window boxes at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home during the summer months.

Leland enjoyed his long leisurely walks in the morning, stopping along the way to chat with various individuals and business owners. He always had a smile and wave to all that he knew. His many trips throughout the countryside on his 4-wheeler also gave him great joy, as well as his vacations to Florida and Arizona. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

The family owes Leland a debt of gratitude for the patience and care he gave his elderly parents, especially his father, after the passing of his mother. This allowed his father to stay at home for as long as was possible.

On April 20, 2024 Butch passed away at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota at 70 years of age. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Butch in death were his parents, Ansel and Ruth Olson; brother, Donald; and two older sisters, Carlotta Stomberg and Brenda Pederson.

Butch is survived by his siblings: Ronald (Elizabeth) Olson and family of Menahga; Timothy (Donna) Olson of Sierra Vista, AZ; Tamara Schaffer and sons, Nevis, MN; and Rhonda Olson and family of Osseo, MN; his Brother-in-law Glenn Pederson, Nimrod, MN, as well as many nephews and nieces.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, at the Menahga Senior/Community Center at 1:00 p.m.

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