Charles Ellsworth Olson was born on September 23rd, 1938 in Starbuck, MN, passed away on May 5th, 2024. He was 85. Charles married Lois Kathleen (Anderson) Olson on May 24, 1958. They were life-long members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN, where they raised five children.
Charles loved fishing, hunting, and his family. He enjoyed family gatherings and good conversations with friends. Charles served in the Minnesota National Guard and was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union. After 30 years, Charles retired from the Ford Motor Company in St. Paul, MN, but couldn’t sit still. He worked parking security for many years at Simley High School, where students and staff alike enjoyed his Mr. Potato Heads greeting them from his rear window.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Kathleen (Anderson) Olson, parents, Chester and Esther (Pederson) Olson, and his brothers, Bob (Terry Glassing) and David (LuAnn) Olson.
He left behind his children, Cynthia (Scott) Welsh, Joan (Patrick) Siedow, Paula Bastian, Ross (Amie) Olson, and Melissa (Amanda Cerne) Olson, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings, Beverly (Kenneth) Fischer, Sandy (Kenneth) Hoff, Sanford (Clara) Olson, Janet (Richard) Lundebrek, Ruth (Don) Schwanke, Neil Olson & Naomi (Fred) Anderson and many friends.
A Celebration of Charles Life will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street, Inver Grove Heights, MN, 55076. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided at the church afterwards.