Walter Richard Olson

Walter served as an Ordained Pastor for many years at Bread of Life Lutheran Church for the Deaf and Blind in Minneapolis, Grove Lake and North Immanuel Lutheran Churches, in Pelican Rapids, and Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, Iowa.

Walter also served in the Army during World War II. He was honored with the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service to our country. He was a gifted Sharpshooter, winning top honors.

Walter was a prolific storyteller. His stories were captivating, endearing, and sometimes redundant. He was also passionate about farm life, especially gardening. At age 82, Walter planted an orchard with over 80 apple trees. Each tree was planted with a Bible verse in the soil and dedicated to a loved one. After 15 years his apple trees produced fruit, fulfilling a lifelong dream of Walter's.

Walter is preceded in passing by his wife, Helen; brother, Philip; granddaughter, Jessica; and companion, Ida Lundborg.

Walter is survived by his children, Mark (Maura) Olson, Greg (Lindsay) Olson; grandchildren, Sarah (Bronson) Lasconia, Graham Olson, Jake Olson, Heather (Maxwell) Monahan; great-grandchildren, Andre, Tyson, and Callie Lasconia; sister, Lois Sperber; and many more family members and friends.

Special thanks to the staff at Auburn Meadows for their compassion, care, and patience over the last few years.

Join us to celebrate Walter's life on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Freshwater Church, 138 W 1st St, Waconia, MN 55387. Gathering at 10:30 am, Service at 11:00 am, and luncheon to follow.