Roger Olson

Roger R. Olson, age 77, of Pequot Lakes and formerly of Columbia Heights died peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in the comfort of his home. Funeral Services will be at 1PM on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Remer.  Pastor Keith Piller will officiate. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Remer.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church in Remer. Due to Covid compliance, masks must be worn by all. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes.

Roger was born May 10, 1943 in Grand Rapids to Oscar and Elva (Peterson) Olson.  His family were caretakers of Bay Bridge on Thunder Lake (the most beautiful lake in the whole world).  Roger learned a strong work ethic and appreciation for his natural surroundings at a very young age.  He attended the University of Minnesota on a football and academic scholarship. While in  college, Roger married the love of his life, Jean Churchill, on December 18, 1964, in Minneapolis; they made their home in Columbia Heights where they raised their four children and attended First Lutheran Church.  He worked for over 50 years in the trucking industry; beginning his career at Briggs Transportation in Roseville and ending at Lakeville Motor Express until his retirement. Roger and Jean then moved from their home in Columbia Heights to Little Thunder Lake in Remer, and most recently to their home in Pequot Lakes. Roger’s faith was strong. They joined Bethany Lutheran Church in Remer where he acted as congregation president, member of the choir and enjoyed helping in the kitchen.  He found serenity in the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hunting mushrooms and, of course, picking berries. Roger had a great appreciation for the land and what the land and earth were able to provide. Roger adored his wife; taught his children the value of ethics and to love very big and very broad; and spent quality time with his grandchildren in the “Magic Forest” on Little Thunder.  He was gentle, loving, and personified goodness; Roger would want all of you to remember “life is about the journey together, not the road traveled.” He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Roger is survived by his wife, of 56 years, Jean of Pequot Lakes; children, Lane (Laura) of Chaska, Suzanne (Mark) Vescio of Columbia Heights, Darin of Brainerd, Daniel (Tracy) of Blaine; grandchildren, Christina (Dedrick), Megan (Seth), Ashley (Dusty), Matthew, Taylor, Thomas, Willem, Samuel, Jack, Siri, Maxwell; great grandchildren, Cherice, Khloe, Wyatt, Damani and greatly anticipated birth of additional great grandchildren this year. He is also survived by brothers, Clellan (Kathy) of Baxter, Richard (Linda) of Longville; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, many close friends including hunting & fishing partners, card clubbers, church & lake friends. As well as the innumerable people he touched in his own special way throughout his life.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Stephan.