Donald C. Olson

Donald Chester Olson was born May 29, 1919 in Windom, Minnesota to Ben and Emma (Chester) Olson. The family moved to rural Foreston, Minnesota when the children were young. Don was raised on the family farm and graduated from high school in Milaca. The family later returned to Windom. Don married Helen Marie Martin and this marriage was blessed with four daughters. Helen became ill with cancer and died in November of 1959. Don resided in Windom for most of his adult life. He worked for many years at Crane Furniture, selling furniture, installing flooring and draperies. He was married to M. Josephine 'Jo' Lykken in April of 1961. From 1963-65 Don and Jo lived in Rochester, Minnesota where they operated the Emerson Motel and Apartments. They returned to Windom in 1965. Don worked for Vaughn Fertilizer, and later as a police officer for the City of Windom until he retired. During retirement, Don and Jo enjoyed traveling to Norway, Africa, Hawaii, Mexico, France and Italy. They spent over 20 winters in Laredo and Mission, Texas where they enjoyed doing mission work with the Latin American Lutheran Mission and other groups. Don tended a large garden for many years and continued...[more]

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water his flower garden to the end of his life. He enjoyed reading, singing with the Windom Chordhustlers, served for many years as the treasurer of Lakeview Cemetery, was active in his church family, and helped out at the senior center dining site until recent months, he actively participated in many volunteer activities, and enjoyed watching the action outside of his townhouse. Don was a member of the Sons of Norway, Windom Service Club (the Bald Eagles) and of Lutheran Church of Our Savior. Don particularly liked to gather the Chester family cousins for a get together each summer. He was especially fond of the heritage of the Chester family homestead log cabin which is now a fixture in Island Park. Don was preceded in death by wife, Helen Martin Olson, wife, Josephine Lykken Olson; parents, Ben and Emma Olson; sister, Norma Jean Dunnigan, and niece, Julie Eckes. He is survived by daughters, Marie Travens, Las Vegas, Nevada, Linda Challis, Hauula, Hawaii, Carol Myhre, Mankato, Minnesota, and Susan (Jim) Gustner, Little Falls, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Chad Larson, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Christine (Chad) Ringen, Centerville, Minnesota, Daniel (Holly) Gustner, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and Sarah Gustner, Port Townsend, Washington; two great-grandchildren, Madeline Ringen and Owen Ringen, Centerville, Minnesota; sisters, Lola (Robert) Tewes, and Janice Emanuelson; nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Blessed be his memory.