Marlin Dean Olson

Marlin Dean Olson obituary, Forest Lake, MN

Marlin Dean Olson

Marlin Olson Obituary

Visit the Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service website to view the full obituary.

Marlin Olson

Father, Veteran, Friend — and everything in between.

1938 – 2025

Marlin 'Dean' Olson, age 87, of Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at 2:32 p.m., with his daughter by his side and a chaplain guiding him home in prayer.

He served in the United States Army and carried the quiet strength of that service throughout his life.

Marlin was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it mattered. He believed peace came from within, and he taught his family to live by one simple truth:

"If you can look in the mirror and be at peace with your choices, you’re doing okay."

He is preceded in death by his wife, Laura Olson. He is survived by his daughter, Ashley; stepdaughter, Connie; stepson, Jeremi; granddaughter, Octavia; step-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Olivia, and Riley; sons-in-law, Thomas and Matthew; daughter-in-law, Shauna; and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved him deeply.

He is also survived by his sons, Blake and Burnell.

A memorial will be held at 9 AM at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on July 10th, 2025.  If attending, please enter the cemetery through Gate 2 and be to Assembly Area #2 by 8:45 AM to be part of the procession to the committal shelter for military honors.  

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service

343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025

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