Milton S. Olson

Milton Stewart Olson, age 87 of Red Wing, died Friday, September 30, 2011 at his home. He was born the youngest son of John M. Olson and Viola Selma Victoria Norberg Olson on the family farm at Welch, Minnesota on August 28, 1924. He attended School District #139 near his home and Cannon Falls High School until the first school bus from Red Wing picked him up. He graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1943. He joined the Navy and served in the Pacific Ocean until peace was declared. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of Wisconsin, River Falls and a Masters Degree from the University of Wyoming at Laramie a year after. He married Hazel Pearson in 1950 and she passed away in 1998. On May 23, 1999 he and Marjorie Frost exchanged vows. He worked full time for the American Red Cross including a station in Germany. Then he followed a lifetime commitment to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. At one time he covered many counties as a Juvenile Parole Officer. He served as Superintendant at Red Wing and was described by one co-worker as "Corrections Officer with a heart." He was chairman of the Youth Conservation Commission, Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, and in 1985 he retired as Cell House Director at Stillwater Prison. He has been actively involved with First Lutheran Church, Golden K Kiwanis, Goodhue County History Center, Faith in Action, Red Wing BPOE #845 Elks Club and the Y Family. His greatest joy was his volunteer work. For the past 11 years Milt and Marge have traveled by car, train, ship and airplane, to all 50 states, 11 foreign countries, and 9 provinces in Canada. They have had wonderful experiences. His terrific sense of humor will be missed by his many friends.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Morris and J. Donald, an infant daughter, and daughter, Kim Olson Voth. In addition to Marge, he is survived by his children, David (Linda) Olson, Holly (Gerry) Peterson and Paul (Crystal) Olson all of Red Wing; six grandchildren, Mathew, Eric, Jenny, Meredith and Ingrid Olson and Maria Peterson and great grandson, Jacob Olson. He is also survived by Nancy (Lionel) Booth of Katy Texas, G. Scott Frost of Amery, Wisconsin, Steven (Shelley) Frost of Amery, Wisconsin and Peggy (Richard) Thompson of Red Wing and their offspring.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2011 at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Brian Scott and Rev. Gary Elg officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The family expresses great thanks to Fairview Red Wing Hospice for their loving and thoughtful care. In lieu of flowers the family suggests any memorials to be given to Fairview Red Wing Hospice or any of the organizations listed above. Funeral arrangements are with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.