Don Spencer Olson

Don S. Olson, age 68, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at his home. Don Spencer was born October 3, 1941 in Ada, MN, to Myles and Emma (Miller) Olson. He grew up in the Twin Lakes area and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1959. Following graduation, Don entered the United States Marines. In November of 1963, he was honorably discharged. He soon joined the Navy Sea Bees, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam being honorably discharged in December of 1969. Don returned home to the Twin Lakes area and began working road construction as a road grader operator, retiring in 2003. During his retirement years, he began mowing the ditches, the pow wow grounds and the school yard in Naytahwaush. He was a hard worker, giving back to the community whenever he could. Don was a caring individual with a unique sense of humor. Don was one with nature and could often be found cutting wood, hunting, fishing or looking after the birds and squirrels. He also enjoyed doing diamond willow woodworking. In his younger years he could be found playing baseball. As a loyal American, Don was very proud of his military service and held memberships with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America. He also took it upon himself, with the help of his great nieces, to put the flags out on the graves on Memorial Day of fellow veterans. Surviving Don are two brothers, David (Elizabeth) Olson, Bloomington, MN, and Ernest (Josie) Miller, Hendrum, MN; a sister, Susan (Wayne) Coleman, Bejou, MN; a sister-in-law, Lois Olson, Mahnomen, MN; nephews, Larry (Melissa) Olson and Vince Olson; nieces: Cassandra (Jeff) Bondesen, Liza Ruud and Andrea Schlepp; special great- nieces: Megan, Courtney and Emma Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Myles in 2007 and Chuck in Vietnam in 1968, and a nephew, Bret David in 1997. Funeral Services were held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush, with visitation being held one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment was at the Olson Family Cemetery, Naytahwaush.

Don Spencer Olson

October 2, 1941 - October 20, 2009