Richard Olson

Richard M. "Dick" Olson, 87, formerly of North Shore Drive, died Sunday, September 8, 2013 in St Luke's Hospital.

Dick was born October 22, 1925 to Hjalmar and Viola (Morden) Olson in Waukesha, Wisconsin. In February 1943, during World War II, he entered the U. S. Navy serving as a boatswain's mate second class aboard the heavy cruiser, Tuscaloosa. He served three tours in the Middle East, African and European Theatre and two tours in the Asian, Pacific, Philippine Theatre. He chased the Bismarck and saw battle in Iwo Jima and Normandy.

After his discharge from the Navy he returned home and attended the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. Dick sailed on the Great Lakes for Hanna Mining Company. He served aboard the Weir, Falk, Thompson, and Carnahan, and became captain on the Humphrey. He retired as Captain of the George A. Stinson. During a severe storm in 1953, he went over the side of the Thompson to rescue men from the sinking Steinbrenner.

He married Elizabeth Cooper in 1949, eventually moving to Greenwood Road in Duluth where they raised three children. Dick married Arlene Strom in 1983. After retiring they traveled the United States in their motor home and spent many happy hours aboard their boat "The Spiffy Lady". They enjoyed their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida and traveling in Europe, Scotland, and the British Isles. Their home in Palmers was the center for all family activities and holidays.

Dick was a member of French River Lutheran Church, the International Shipmaster's Association, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks, and the Duluth Township Volunteer Fire Department.

He was a voracious reader and was well known for his generosity, his booming laugh, and outgoing and colorful personality. He had many stories to tell and was never known to mince his words. He was a master of managing people and situations. He was the "great" in the greatest generation, a man who truly lived each day of his life. His family loved every minute of their time with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene Strom Olson, granddaughter, Tammy Lundgren; and son in law, Scott Jackson.

He is survived by his son, Daryl (Linda) Olson of Fairbanks, Alaska; daughters, Sharon (Garry) Moe and Maureen Olson of Duluth; grandchildren, Becky Olson, April Phillips, Justin Lundgren, Shawn (Marci) Lundgren, Maureen (Josh) Isabell, and Torina (Jason) Stark; 12 great-grandchildren; step-children, Ann Jackson, Tim (Julie) Strom, Karl (Christine) Strom all of Duluth; step-grandchildren, Christina (Curt) Cavallin, Carly (Peter) Rinaldi, Josie and Sam Strom, and Johann and Thomas Strom; and a brother, Wallace (Mary Lou) Olson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Monday September 16, 2013 at French River Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Palmers.