Dale M. Olson — Lanesboro

Dale M. Olson, 72, of Lanesboro, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Dale was born Oct. 14, 1941, in Lanesboro, to Melvin and Clara (Berge) Olson. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1959. He served in the United States Army from 1960-1962, part of that time in Germany. On April 3, 1965, he married Valerie Aske at the Whalan Lutheran Church. Dale farmed throughout his life, but also worked for the city of Lanesboro and for Fillmore County as a maintenance supervisor for 27 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He was a busy taxi driver for them and loved taking them out for breakfast. Dale was a jokester and he and his friends often played jokes on each other. He loved mowing his lawn and working around his farm with his Allis Chalmers tractors and his Kabota. He liked keeping animals on the farm for him and his grandchildren to enjoy. Over the past 10 years, he has been a faithful caregiver to Valerie, his wife of 49 years. He will be remembered for his kind heart and always being willing to help his family and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife, Valerie; son, Jon of Rockwell, Iowa; daughter, Sondra (Scott) McElmury, of Fountain; grandchildren, Steven McElmury, Stephanie McElmury and Chais Olson; brothers and sister-in-laws, Carol Olson of Minneapolis, Marge (Hyatt) King of Dallas, Bonny (Dick) Engen of Whalan, Nancy Aske of Mabel, Glady (Rick) Nord of Stewartville, Robert Engen of Whalan and Tom Engen of Mabel; and numerous nieces and nephews, among them, Matthew, the only nephew on the Olson side.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Kenneth Olson and brother-in-law, Mike Aske.

A celebration of life service will be held for Dale at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Whalan Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Pat Hinkie officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday, March 29, from noon until the time of service. Burial with military honors accorded by Whalan American Legion Post 637 will follow the service at the church cemetery.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. 507-467-2130. rileyfuneralhomes.com