Chester Olson

Chester Jeffer Olson, son of Engvald and Emma (Harstad) Olson, was born October 14, 1918 in Donnelly, Minnesota. He was baptized at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, rural Donnelly and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Morris. Chester spent most of his younger years living with his grandparents and three uncles. He received his education in several schools in Minnesota, before settling down with his parents in the Donnelly and Morris area, where the family farmed. On June 16, 1940, he was united in marriage to Edna M. Pederson in Donnelly. The couple lived and farmed in Morris Township until Edna passed away in May of 1991. On February 20, 1993, he was united in marriage to Virene Pederson. The couple made their home in Johnson, Minnesota. In 2000, they moved to Morris, where they have lived until the time of Chester's death.



Chester was a member of Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, rural Donnelly, where he served on the church board as a deacon. He also served on the Country School Board. While his children were member of the local 4-H Club, Chester helped with many projects. He loved farming and listening to music. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.



Chester died on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at West Wind Village in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 87 years.



He is survived by: his wife: Virene Olson of Morris; four daughters: Elda Best of Yuma, AZ, Sharon (Ray) Hallett of Edgerton, WI, Carolyn (Robert) Brummond of Janesville, WI and Juanita Swartwout of Janesville, WI; two sons: Clinton Olson of Herman and Jeffrey Olson of Fairbult; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five step-daughters: Marlene (Wes) Steinborn of LeSueur, Kathleeen (Doug) Needham of Watertown, WI, Nadine (Jim) Taffe of Algona, IA, Jolene Billiet of Stuebenville, OH and Valerie (David) Behrens of Minnestrista; six step-sons: Rodney Pederson of Grand Forks, ND, Lyle (Correen) Pederson of Dumont, Curtis (Jeanine) Pederson of Bellingham, Dean (Linda) Pederson of Morris, Glen (Jean) Pederson of Benson and Loren (Renae) Pederson of Johnson; 39 step-grandchildren; 22 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife: Edna; his parents; one brother: Twenhart and one sister: Alda.



Pallbearers for the service are: Rodney Pederson, Lyle Pederson, Dean Pederson, Glen Pederson, Loren Pederson and Ryan Pederson. Sue Erdahl-Nelson will serve as organist for the service with the Kongsvinger Quartet providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.