With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Charles "Chuck" Olson of Elbow Lake, MN.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those he loved.
Charles held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of belief is a life of quiet conversation with something larger.
Charles M. Olson (“Chuck”), 89 of Barrett, Minnesota passed away peacefully at his home in Barrett, MN. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the love of his life, Eileen, and his faithful canine companion, Rambo.Charles Morten Olson was born on September 21, 1936, in Barrett, Minnesota the son of Albert and Magdeline (Sletten) Olson. He remained in his family home in Barrett, Minnesota throughout his life, where he was both born and peacefully passed; the second generation living in the home. A man of steady faith and deep devotion to his family, Chuck was welcomed into the Christian faith through baptism on November 24, 1936, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. These early roots in the Minnesota soil and the Lutheran church shaped the quiet, resilient character he carried throughout his life.On a winter day following Christmas 1965 Chuck entered into a lifelong partnership with Eileen Bonnie Nordquist. On December 26th they were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church in Hoffman, Minnesota. Together, they built a life defined by loyaltyand shared purpose, recently celebrating an incredible 60 years of marriage. Chuck enjoyed baking chocolate chip cookies, water skiing in his youth, and the peaceful rhythm of farming, outdoor work and trucking. He especially enjoyed spending his free time watching classic Westerns and military films. His loved ones will greatly miss his generous nature, warm smile, and mostly his steady presence in their lives.Chuck took great pride in being the father of two sons, James and Matthew. Over the years, he cherished watching his family expand, warmly welcoming his daughters-in-law, Tami and Jennifer. In time, he was blessed with one granddaughter, who was the light of his life and three grandsons, which took a bit lower priority, who brought special happiness to his later years. Whether enjoying a peaceful day at home or gathering with family, Chuck’s greatest joy was simply being surrounded by the people he loved. Chuck will be remembered as a devoted husband, a guiding father, and a man who found contentment in the simple beauty of a life shared with family and a good dog by his side.Chuck is survived and deeply missed by his wife Eileen Olson of Barrett, MN; children James (Tami) Olson of Alexandria, MN, Matthew (Jennifer) Olson of Montevideo, MN; grandchildren Drew, Payton, Dane, and Landon Olson; his devoted dog Rambo; and his extended family, including many dear nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Magdeline Olson; brother Donovan Olson, mother-in-law Doris Nordquist; father-in-law Merlin Nordquist; brother-in-law Rudolph Stock; sister-in-law LaMoine Nordquist; and nephew Larry Stamness.A private service will be held at a later date."A life well-lived is a legacy that remains in the hearts of those we leave behind."
