Charles Bennett "Chuck" Olson

Mr. Olson remains to this day an inspiration. I still have the original baton he made for me as his student when I was at Bethel from 1980 - 1984. What a legacy he has left. I look forward to seeing him again in the heavenly ensemble.

Dear Joan, Cathy & David,

We are so sorry to hear that Mr. O. is gone! I have so many wonderful memories of being in the band at Bethel in the 80's, and I wouldn't have even been in the band without his kind invitation. I applied for admission at Bethel not even knowing if there was a band. I had second thoughts about not continuing to play, so I called the college and they forwarded me to Mr. Olson. He heard that I was a bassoon player and very cordially invited me out to visit him and see the band facilities. I felt very welcomed, and we had Mr. George Regis in common as he was both our high school band director at Stillwater High School. Band was very formative for me and some of my dearest friendships to this day are with my band friends. I truly have Mr. O. to thank for that! May the dear Lord comfort you in your sorrow and know that my prayers are with your family. I look forward to the day that we will all meet again.

0=iii=- I wish to honor the solemn passing of my friend
and mentor... Charles "Chuck" Olson.
It is a lovely thought to believe each time I play music
or restore a vintage trumpet - hereafter - I will think about
my wonderful friend, and the wisdom he tried to convey...
...over recent years.
Thank you Chuck, and Mrs Olson also, for opening your
home and your hearts, in making me (and my wife Connie)
a part of your family of students and friends!
I pray for a peaceful echo of heavenly music to fill all of
our hearts, and the sort of peaceful reflection that will help
all of us remember our best moments with Chuck, looking forward
to an eternal friendship with his entire
family... when we are in Heaven together!
-=iii=0
With faith, hope, and Love always...
-=Matthew G. Pfannschmidt=-

Joanie and family,

We are holding you and your family in our hearts and prayers in your loss,
Barb and James Swenson, Willmar,MN

I'm thinking of the Charles Olson family today. It pains me that I can't be with them tomorrow to celebrate the life of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, educator and mentor. Due to my recent knee-replacement surgery I am unable travel at this time.

During my lifetime I have had three music teachers who made a difference in my life. Mr. Lawrence Miller, my high school band director, encouraged and inspired me to pursue music education. Dr. James Jurrens, my college band director, inspired me and mentored me to become a high school band director. Through both high school and college, my participation in band was both fun and fulfilling. It wasn't until my mid-50s that I met Chuck Olson. It was through my connection with Chuck and the Encore Wind Ensemble, which he founded, that I was able to experience the joy of playing some of the finest literature ever written for wind band along with some of the finest musicians in the Midwest. I played with Encore for 12 years before retiring to the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, where I currently play in the McAllen Symphonic Band and lead an 18-piece big band. Without Chuck's encouragement and friendship, my musical endeavors would have ended 20 years ago. I will turn 72 later this year and I am having the time of my life making music. I owe it all to Chuck Olson.

When my son, Brent, was a Junior in college he was diagnosed with cancer. Between chemo sessions, Chuck spent time giving him conducting lessons and teaching him to make batons. After graduation, Brent auditioned for Encore where met his wife, Sara. They both continue to play in Encore.

I would like to leave you with some lyrics written by singer/song writer Dan Folgelberg as a tribute to his father, that I find so fitting:

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul.
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man.
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band.

Mr.Olson gave me the encouragement I needed at a time I needed it when I first started playing the flute. He wanted us to work hard and we did to be the best we could be. Band was the highlight of high school and the friendships that we made during those years will last forever. I am still playing in a band. Thank you Mr. Olson! May you play with the angels!

Mr. Olson was my conductor when I attended Bethel College many years ago as a music major playing euphonium in the wind ensemble. He was an inspiring leader and musical mentor bringing the musical best out of me and the band. God bless you and your family sir.

I shared this on FB, but wanted to share with a wider audience. Charlie was a pivotal mentor in my life.

I purchased my very first Custom Baton in 1990. I didn't know where or from whom it had been received. I knew it was important in the music making process but had no idea how that baton would change my life. When I returned to grad school, Craig Kirchhoff suggested that I see Charlie Olson to have a custom baton built especially for me. That first meeting with Charlie changed my life. I had no idea how much he would influence my professional trajectory or how our time together would mold my philosophy about conducting and music making. That day sent me on an unexpected journey that led to an apprenticeship with Charlie. I am so proud and honored to have known him. There is a piece of my heart missing but I also know that there is always a bit of Charlie's spirit that will be with me when I am on the podium or working in the wood shop. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and passion, Charlie. Your legacy lives on through the thousands of conductors across the globe and through your descendants at Custom Batons. Much love and heartfelt wishes to Joan and the kids.
Sincerely, Amy (Baton Builder, Teacher and Conductor)

Mr. Olson was my band teacher in Jr. High and also a neighbor. My sympathies to the family. May God give you His mercy, grace, and peace during this time of loss.

Anoka's bands in the 70's were the epitome of the best. Chuck Olson inspired us all to be better than we thought we could be. My children have listened to our albums and I have needed to explain that I was in high school, not college or playing professionally. We were THAT good. Thanks, Mr. Olson...

Chuck and I met in 1956 as freshmen and music majors at STC. We were room mates throughout college and played in many college musical organizations. Though we went our separate ways after graduation we enjoyed getting together at annual MMEA conventions. Today I played a "gig" using the 1926 Conn trombone Chuck sent to me as a gift this winter. Thanks, dear friend! You will be remembered. Joanie and I danced at STC dances, with Chuck's permission, of course!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joanie, and your family.
Though too soon, he lived a good life, and touched many lives, including ours.
Berge and Peggy Johnson, Spicer, MN

Those who touch other souls through music leave a lasting legacy. Chuck was an integral part of the music history of Anoka. We will miss him so much. Our sympathy to Joan and family.

A part of my heart is lost today. Mr. Olson was my band director from grade school through Sr. High. Then as only God could orchestrate, we both ended up at Bethel the same year. While I didn't play in the band there, it was comforting knowing my long time mentor was there with me. I will always be grateful for the things he taught me beyond playing an instrument! I have achieved what I have because he believed in me and pushed me to always do better. I didn't realize at the time what a profound influence he really had. I am also grateful that I was able to tell him this in later years and while we didn't see each other often, he will always hold a special place in my heart. May you rest in peace now my dear mentor. You will be missed by many, but especially me.

It is difficult to express the sadness I feel. I don't recall when I first met Chuck, but I do remember sitting next to him in the summer band in Dawsom when I visited my dad. Later I helped out at the pool when he and Joanie were both guards. Our musical careers took us in different directions, but I kept track of what he was doing. He was a wonderful musician, educator, and person. Joanie, our thoughts are with you and Lloyd your family.

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, my sympathies to the entire family. I have huge etched memories of Mr. Olson based on what he taught me as my choir director at the United Methodist Church in Anoka. His absolute high standards for vocal discipline were unwavering. My ear is now so finely tuned to what is true, right and just, that I simply cannot stand to hear someone with an undisciplined voice. Unfortunately, there are very few vocalists out there with a properly trained voice. He demanded quality and I'll never forget him teaching us the proper way to sing vowels and consonants and always ending your word, phrasing or note with the last letter in that word. One must understand the lyrics. Proper breathing from the diaphragm, not from the throat, which is so common among popular pop singers. He put us through vocal drills before each choir practice. He forever changed the way I hear and listen to music----for the better and I'm forever grateful for that. You realize that there are people like Mr. Olson that don't get all the credit they deserve, but please understand he did have impact! It did reach further than you may have realized. He was very influential in my love of good music.

Dear Joanie and family,
Chuck's impact on my life and musical career cannot be in any way be quantified. His influence lives on today in almost everything I do as a musician and teacher. His conducting style, musicality and discipline were an inspiration to me as a young person. I think of Chuck, and will continue to do so, every time I pick up my Olson baton. May God's peace and comfort be with you all. Michael Anderson, Anoka Class of 1972

I remember Chuck as a natural leader. He brought out the best in all of us. He filled Morrie's big shoes splendidly.

Scott and Cathy and family, sorry to hear the new of passing of your Dad. He was such a fun presence at the music events and just hanging out at the house. Our prayers are with you.

Joan, so sorry to hear this news. Debbie, Derek, Denae and I send our condolences and sympathy to you and the entire family. We remember him always. Devon Walton and family.

Ole: So sorry for the loss of your father, but what a rich and wonderful life he must have lived. He obviously touched a great number people along his way. We will pray for him.

Joan, Cathy, Eric and family,
We were so sorry to read of the death of Chuck. He will be missed by his family and friends, especially those at Anoka United Methodist Church. He did a wonderful job with the music at church. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dean & Bev Summerbell

Our prayers of comfort to the family and loved ones

Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dee Burner

Joan and family,
You have our sympathies and prayers are coming your way.