Adrian O. Olson

Adrian Olean Olson of Howard Lake, MN formerly of Crosby, MN passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on January 20, 1944, to Raymond and Ethel Olson in Spring Grove, MN.

Adrian graduated from Spring Grove, MN high school and from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education. He got his Master’s Degree from the University of MN. He started off his teaching career as a 6th grade teacher in the Osseo School District, even naming his daughters after two of his favorite students. He then worked in the Audio-Visual Department before moving on to work at Hennepin Technical College, where he held various positions, including Dean of Students, for 27 years. For nine years, he also served on the Osseo School District School Board.

Adrian loved growing up on his family farm. He loved to read, garden, fish, woodwork, go camping and looked forward to deer hunting in northeastern Iowa with friends every fall. Spending time with his family was a priority in his life, whether with his own children or later with his grandchildren. Taking vacations with his family was a highlight with numerous trips to Florida to visit Disney World and the ocean along with trips to the west and east coasts and other places in between. Adrian and Jean also spent time traveling to places like Bequia, Russia, China and the Middle East. They enjoyed spending time in Texas every winter and spending the rest of the year at their lake home on Serpent Lake. His faith in his Lord and Savior was part of his life since childhood.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Ethel and his two brothers Gary and Spencer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jean Olson, daughters Julie (Brenden) Harbaugh of Dubuque, IA and Laura (Randy) Heuer of Howard Lake, MN, grandchildren Jonathon and Brooke Harbaugh and Robert and Elizabeth Heuer. He is also survived by his brother Jeff (Marsha) Olson of Deerwood, MN, sisters-in-law Roseann Olson of Sioux Falls, SD, Carolyn Olson of Spring Grove, MN, Barb Rhodes of Deerwood, MN and sister and brother-in-law Joan and Bert Goetzinger of Eitzen, MN, along with many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Adrian was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 9 years ago. He has decided to donate his body to the University of MN to help with further research on this disease in hopes of helping someone else who has this same condition.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone on his care team who helped him through his lung disease and to Ridgeview Hospice for their kindness and dedicated care.

A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Ridgeview Hospice through the Ridgeview Foundation, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crosby or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake.