Roger Olson

Roger Olson of Wadena, MN died on Monday, August 10, 2009, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Roger died, at age 64, from complications of frontotemporal dementia, a form of dementia attacking victims in the prime of their life. To learn more about this rare and difficult-to-diagnose disorder, go to www.aftd.com. Roger was born December 13, 1944, in Owatonna, MN, to Clifton G. and Norma (Aaseng) Olson. He attended school in McIntosh, MN, graduating in 1962. Following graduation, he attended North Dakota School of Business in Fargo, ND, and later attended Bemidji State University earning a BS degree in elementary education. While attending BSU, he met his future wife, Christine Johnson. They were married on December 26, 1971, in Hines. Roger served in the US Navy as a Personnelman for eight years, from 1969 until 1976. His first tour of duty was aboard the USS Elkhorn, a gasoline tanker, during the Viet Nam Conflict. His second tour of duty was spent in Nashville, TN, where he was attached to the Recruiting Command. Both of the couple’s children were born while stationed in Nashville. Roger was an elementary teacher at Verndale Public Schools from 1979 until his disability forced his early retirement in January 2002. He taught sixth grade most of those years, ending his career by teaching computers to elementary students. His students likely remember their sixth grade year by their participation in the Olsonville project - a city within the classroom. Roger was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a former member of the Mit-Ti-Quab Archery League. He was known for his love of computers, scroll sawing, walking, and camping. Funeral services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 14, 2009. Pallbearers were Bob & Judy Schultz, Marlys McIntire, Steve Babcock, Lyle Haraldson, and Dave Seaton. Interment was in the Lakeview Cemetery in Blackduck. He is survived by his wife, Chris; daughter, Greta (Jason) Seitz of Bemidji; son, Jonathan (Katy) of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Owen and Weston Seitz, Selby and Grady Olson; brother, Clifton, Jr. (Lois) of Goodyear, AZ; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan & Nancy Swenson of Osceola, WI; and nieces and nephew, Krischelle (Scott) Tennessen, Chad (Merry Joy) Olson, and Julie (Mark) Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Bill and Evelyn Johnson of Hines; and nephew, Jeffrey Swenson. Memorials can be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, Wadena Humane Society, Wadena City Library, or the Minnesota Veterans Home of Fergus Falls.

Roger Olson

December 13, 1944 - August 10, 2009