St. Hilaire – Michael “Mike” Olson, 61, St. Hilaire, died on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at his residence with his loving wife, Jackie at his side.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Steven Dahlen officiating.  Interment will be held at Community Cemetery in St. Hilaire.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. time of sharing on Wednesday, April 24 at Johnson Funeral Service.  Visitation will also be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Michael Dean Olson was born on Feb. 28, 1952 in Thief River Falls, the son of Milford and Colleen Mary Ann (Ward) Olson.  The family lived in Viking and Mike attended school in Viking and Newfolden, where he excelled at football. At the age of 16, Mike’s dad died and the family moved to Thief River Falls where Mike attended Lincoln High School.
Mike worked for a short time at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls before joining the United States Navy. He served as a boiler operator aboard the U.S.S. Bronson which was a Fletcher-class destroyer. Mike was Honorably Discharged after four years of active duty.
On April 29, 1972, Mike was united in marriage to Jackie Haugen at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire. To this union, two daughters were born, Kristi and Kelly. In 1974, after completing his service in the Navy, Mike returned home and moved his family to Crookston. He worked as a boiler operator at Simplot.  In 1976, the family moved to Thief River Falls where Mike worked at Land-O-Lakes. In 1978, Mike went to drive truck for Hanson trucking and later became the first driver for Hartz Truckline where he worked until 2000, when it closed.  Mike has since worked as a truck driver, mechanic,    and heavy equipment operator for Garry Gravel in Euclid.
Mike loved camping, fishing, watching John Wayne movies and spending time with his family and friends.  He had a boat named MOJO and a bread-truck camper that helped the family create great memories. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his “boys” Lee and Shawn and best friend, Duane. Mike also enjoyed gardening, calling BINGO, and especially loved spending time with his wife, Jackie, kids and grandkids.
Survivors include his loving wife of almost 41 years, Jackie of St. Hilaire; daughters, Kristi (Lee) Lilja of Thief River Falls and Kelly (Shawn) Bugge of St. Hilaire; grandchildren Taylor, Tyler, Torie, Kaylee, and Tiera; sister, Marilyn DeForest of San Diego, Calif.; and many other relatives and friends that he would call family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marlene Bergsnev.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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