Howard Olsen

Howard J. Olsen, age 92, of Staples, passed away on Friday July 28, surrounded by his family. A memorial service is planned for Monday July 31, at the Staples Congregational Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Muriel Hachfeld officiating. Howard was born on April 16, 1914 in Ledgerwood, ND, one of ten children born to Nels and Maren (Rasmussen) Olsen. The family moved to South Dakota where Howard continued to farm. In 1941 he entered the US Army where he served in England, France, and Germany. He was awarded numerous medals including a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, and the American Defense Service Medal. He left the military in 1945 and married Ruth Harder just 3 months later at a ceremony in St. Paul. They moved to the Staples area some 55 years ago with their children, having six in all. Howard worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for a Chevy dealership for many years until retiring in 1975. Howard was a member of the Congregational Church and the VFW, he served many years on the Staples City Council, and he loved fishing, gardening, reading, walking, and bowling. Howard is survived by his children; Robin (Carol), Howard Jr. (Myrna), Reggie, Kevin (Penny), Jodi (Lauren) Ellison, and Kim (Jeff) Koppes, 18 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents, and his 9 brothers and sisters.