Gordon E. Olson

Gordon attended schools in Nymore, and graduated from Bemidji HighSchool. He enlisted in the U.S.Navy, WWII. His father "Chris" Kristen,owned and operated a filling station in Nymore, MN for many years.Chris was born in Norway.
Gordon worked at Erickson-Hellekson-Vye Lumber Co., Bemidji. Before heand Muriel were married, he quit working at the lumberyard and joinedRudy Olson's combining crew. In October 1947, he became a partner withDonald Meland and Richard Kenney in the "Self-Service Laundry", Bemidji.After sale of the laundry, he worked for Culligan Soft Water Systems.
He became an apprentice optician for Walman Optical Co. and in 1956 thefamily moved to Grand Forks where he became a salesman for Walman Opticaland traveled their North Dakota territory until 1961 when he becameAssistant Manager in Grand Forks. In 1968 they moved to Fargo, ND andlived there until 1970. On October 15, 1970, they moved to Thompson, NDand he served as Assistant Manager of Walman Optical Co. in Grand Forksuntil his retirement. He was a very popular optician and had manyclients who insisted on having Gordon fit their glasses. He is an activechurch member at Walle Evangelical Lutheran Church, established in 1876in rural Thompson, ND. He is a member of the American Legion Post inThompson and an active citizen of Thompson.
His parents Chris and Dora moved from Bemidji and lived with Gordon andMuriel for several years before their deaths.
Gordon and Muriel celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 21,1997 at Walle Lutheran Church, ND. All children and grandchildren werepresent.
Hobbies: gardening, cooking, lapidary/jewelry, travel, children andgrandchildren
Gordon battled diabetes, neuropathy in his feet and hands, pneumonia forseveral years.
Gordon passed away on his 82nd birthday, April 25, 2007 at AltruHospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Memorial service was held at WalleChurch on April 28, 2007. Gordy had been very active in the Mens Cluband the church. Burial was at Walle Cemetery where those gathered sang"Jesus Loves Me". Gordy and Muriel would have celebrated their 60thwedding anniversary on June 21, 2007.