Harlow Olson

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm. Monday at the church and for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London.
Harlow James Olson was born July 25, 1935, in New London to Casper and Louise (Michaelson) Olson. He grew up on a farm near New London and attended New London High School graduating in the class of 1953.
Harlow was united in marriage to Doris Newberg on June 28, 1957, at Svea Lutheran Church. Harlow and Doris operated their dairy farm together for 65 years. He served on the Irving township board for 25 years. He was also very involved in the church including serving on the church council, singing in the choir, serving as deacon and usher, and performing custodial work. Harlow and Doris were able to share in 65 years of marriage before her death on April 11, 2023.
Nothing made Harlow happier than spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed Canadian fishing trips, traveling with Doris to visit family in Oregon and Ohio, attending monthly card club with neighbors, being a part of his children and grandchildren's deer hunting, and operating his own farm and then watching his son carry out his legacy. He was dedicated to his wife and so graciously cared for her in the same manner she had cared for him and their boys all of her life. He will be remembered for his easy going demeaner, quick wit, one-liners, sarcasm, and he was sure to brighten up a room.
Harlow is survived by his four children, Brian Olson, Ross Olson (Melissa), Kevin Olson (Melissa), and Paul Olson (Darcy), all of which reside in New London; six grandchildren Kayla Richards, Tonya Ferrell (Spencer), Krista Schlitter (Benjamin), Tyler Olson, Amber Herem (Dillon), and Taylor Olson (Lucas); nine great-grandchildren, Kaiya Gotvald, Carson Olson, Amanda Gotvald, Allison Gotvald, Penelope Ferrell, Bryson Schlitter, Hudson Herem, Treyton Schlitter, Lucy Ferrell, and Haven Herem.
He is preceded in death by his wife Doris; his parents, Casper and Louise Olson; six siblings, Lucille Petersen, Violet Green, Arnold Olson, Florence Thompson, Orlean Olson, and Pearl Sohlberg; and his granddaughter, Brooke Gotvald (Alan).
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