Charles Bennett "Chuck" Olson

Charles Bennett Olson "Chuck" was born on October 5, 1937 to Rudy and Cora (Larson) Olson in Dawson, Minnesota. The family moved to Stillwater where Chuck began his love of music under the direction of George Regis. When the family moved back to Dawson in 1953 Chuck continued in music with John Solie. After graduating from Dawson High School in 1956 Chuck attended St. Cloud State College and received his degree in Music Education in 1960.

On August 7, 1960 Chuck and Joan Benson were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Dawson. Chuck began his professional career in Anoka as an elementary and junior high school instrumental instructor. In 1967, he became the director of bands at Anoka Senior High School, developing a very large and successful program. Chuck completed his Master's Degree in 1964 from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. The family spent a sabbatical year in Greeley in 1975 and 1976 where Chuck began work on a doctorate in Trumpet Performance and conducting.

In 1978 Chuck accepted the position as an associate professor of music at Bethel College where he directed the Wind Ensemble and taught music education courses. One of Chuck's joys at Bethel was having his daughter Cathy and son David playing in his Wind Ensemble. The family enjoyed many band tours together until his retirement from Bethel in 1998. He was very proud of the Professor of Music Emeritus title he received from Bethel.

Chuck enjoyed many musical activities outside of his day job. He was the Chancel Choir director at the Anoka United Methodist Church, the musical director for the Anoka Theater Ensemble, the Anoka Opera and was the first to direct the orchestra for the Anoka Summer Theater production of "Oklahoma". He enjoyed the friendships made in music organizations and did extensive judging and clinic work. As an avocation, Chuck began the Custom Baton business making beautiful conducting batons for conductors around the nation. One of his favorite activities in the summer was loading his little lathe and all his wood and tools and attending conducting workshops and symposiums at colleges and schools where he set up shop and made batons on the spot. At the Midwest Clinic in Chicago you could find Chuck selling his batons out of his briefcase. Some of his most cherished friendships were made during these trips.

In 1992 Chuck was asked to be the first conductor of the newly formed Lake Wobegon Brass Band, a position he held for 10 wonderful years before retiring and handing the baton to Mike Halstenson. He was also the founding conductor of the Encore Wind Ensemble which is still performing today under the direction of Jerry Luckhardt.

In 2001 Chuck received the Distinguished Service to Music award from St. Cloud State and in 2011 was honored to be the first class inducted into the Anoka High School Hall of Fame.

Chuck passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from Parkinson's disease and cancer at the age of 78. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Rudy and Cora; his sister Dolly and husband Joe Illies; his sister Pat and husband, Don Nelson.

He is survived by his wife and favorite accompanist Joan; his daughter, Catherine and husband Scott Schwingler, grandchildren, Eric and Alyssa; son David and wife Britt Olson; Dolly's children, Kari and daughter Olivia Gislason; Craig (Greta) Langland and children Maddie and Mason; Pat's children, Mindi (Mike) DuPont, children Lauren and Isaac; Amy (Matt) Frantzen, sons Henry and Theo; and Randall Nelson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law John and Connie Benson and their children, daughter Vicki Benson; son Chris (Peg) Benson and sons Matt, Nate and Sammy. Also surviving Chuck are many Larson and Olson cousins and countless colleagues and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Anoka United Methodist Church with visitation from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. The church is located at 850 South Street in Anoka, Minnesota. Private interment Morningside Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Walker Plaza and our wonderful hospice team from Health partners for the love and care shown to all.

Arrangements with Gearhart Funeral Home, Coon Rapids, Minnesota (763) 755-6300.