Randell "Randy" Craig Olson

Randell "Randy" C. Olson, age 57, of Willmar, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 30, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3, at the Evangelical Free Church in Willmar. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 2, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church. Randell "Randy" Craig Olson was born March 27, 1954, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Wayne and Marvis (Lindner) Olson. He grew up and received his education in Willmar, graduating from Willmar High School in 1972. On May 11, 1974, he married Patricia Spears and they were married for 23 years. In December 1972, he began working for Burlington Northern Railroad and worked as an engineer until April 2011, when he was diagnosed with cancer. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the VFW, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Teamsters Local 549. He was also a member of the Willmar Trap Club and had won the father/son shoot at the Minnesota State Trap Shoot. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, cooking and playing cribbage. He also enjoyed socializing with friends and telling jokes. Randy is survived by his significant other: Lisa Ritz of Willmar; three children: Jennifer Olson of Clara City, Joshua (and Sara) Olson of Willmar and Jessie (and Forrest) Freese of Clara City; two grandchildren: Sawyer & Harrison Freese; three brothers: Alan (and Lynette) Olson of Kandiyohi, Loren (and Janel) Olson of Spicer and Jeffrey (and Marcea) Olson of Northfield; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.