Marvin Emil Olson

Marvin E. Olson, age 96 of Anoka passed away on January 22 2026 in Anoka, Minnesota. Marv was born at home on April 3rd,1929 in Ham Lake Township within Anoka County, MN to his parents Hartwell and Freda Olson. Marvin was the youngest of ten children and was raised on a farm along with his six sisters, Irene, Margaret, Edith, Geneva, Fay, & Myrtle, along with his three brothers George, Donald, & Willis.

While growing up on his parent's farm, Marv assisted with the farm chores. He attended school in District 26 of Anoka County and graduated from the Eighth Grade in 1944 . One of his earliest jobs away from the farm was working at a theater in downtown Minneapolis. After having graduated from school, he attended the DunwoodyTechnical trade school for training in refrigeration. Then during the later stages of World War II, he enlisted in the Army and spent part of his time in the service stationed in Japan. Later during his Army service enlistment, he transferred into the Air Force shortly after its inception. After his discharge from the Air Force, he gained his pilot license by attending a flight school at the Crystal Airport in Minnesota.

Marv was married to Nancy Warneke for 63 years. They were initially introduced to each other by a mutual friend while attending a play at a theater. They were married on February 5, 1951 at the Methodist church in Anoka, during a snow storm. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Texas where Marv was still stationed in the Air Force. They had three children Bruce, Wallace, and Marnette. Marv also had two grandchildren Elle Kern and Max Kern.

Over the years he lived in multiple locations including Ramsey near his father-in-law's farm, Minneapolis, Anoka, Champlin, and Isanti. Marv spent his working career in several different capacities. His first career position was working as an airline pilot for North Central Airlines beginning in 1955. He remained there for about eight years achieving the position of Captain. Later he worked at Federal Cartridge Corporation and the US Postal Service.

Marv was a 'motorhead' at heart, but his primary interest was as an avid aviation enthusiast. Over the years Marv owned many cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and of course airplanes. There was quite a bit of time spent either operating or turning wrenches on them. He was able to disassemble and rebuild antique cars starting with just a trailer full of parts. He was always ready to “go for a ride”. Once Marv won an award during an aviation contest in 1980 where he was able to land a small airplane in the shortest distance.

About 10 years after his wife Nancy passed away, Marv moved into the Walker Methodist Assisted Living facility in Anoka, MN. While there, he was known as quite a sharp dresser. He always thought it was important to be well groomed and look put together.

Preceded in death by wife Nancy (Warneke), parents Hartwell and Freda Olson, brothers George (Dorothy), Donald (Florence), Willis, and sisters Irene Johnson, Fay Arneson, Geneva Zimmerman, Margaret, Edith and Myrtle Olson.

Marv is survived by his children Bruce Olson, Wallace Olson, Marnette (Rick) Kern, and his grandchildren Elle Kern (Taylor Jenkins) & Max Kern, and sister-in-law Diane Olson.

A private service will be held with his children and immediate family.

Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to the Minnesota Military Family Foundation or Experimental Aviation Association.