Erling S. Olson

A Memorial Service for Erling S. Olson of Roseau, MN will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:00am at Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Roseau, MN, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Lifecare Greenbush Manor Activities Department.  

Erling “Oily” Olson was born August 29, 1942, to Ralph and Hannah (Christiansen) Olson.  He married Marlys Robinson in 1963 and together they had 3 children and six grandchildren: Terry (Kathy) Olson - Trenton and Tanner; Julie (Mike) Lauer -  Allyson and Andrew; Kristi (Jack) Lien - Kailey and Parker.

After going to school eight years in Wannaska, he graduated from Roseau High School.  Erling worked as a farm hand, bus driver, and at Marvins, before 29 years at Polaris driving forklift.

Erling loved  athletic competition playing fast pitch softball, golf, bowling, and pool.  It was  bowling that affectionately earned him the nickname “Oily” as he always made darn sure that his lane was well oiled.  A card shark he was, taking money from others always made his day.  He played poker, pinochle, whist, bridge, rummy, golf, smear, cribbage, the dollar game, Yahtzee, and bingo.  At the Greenbush Care Center, he grumbled and complained about never getting a cut or good numbers.  Yet, he won more than his fair share!  He was the luckiest ‘son of a gun’ always winning at everything he entered his name in.

He enjoyed gardening ~ thanks Randy and Arlys for great dirt!  He made salsa for the whole town and giving produce away made him happy.  Other joys were sitting on the deck, suntanning, and watching or hearing about the grandkids sport games.

Erling was a sassy, sneaky, witty, charming man who passed away at the Greenbush Care Center January 14, 2025, at the age of 82.  May God bless the memories of him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Dorothy, Wallace, Marlys, and Dale.  Family is Forever!

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