Rodger D Olson

Rodger D. Olson, 92, Two Harbors, died Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Aspirus-St.Luke’s Hospital.

Rodger was born March 22, 1933, to Rudolph and Irene (Hanson) Olson in Northwood, North Dakota, where he grew up and was as a 3-sport athlete. Shortly after high school he married his high school sweetheart Adeline. On Feb. 20th they celebrated 72 years of marriage!

Rodger attended Mayville State Teacher's College graduating in 1955 with a degree in teaching and began his career at Leeds High school, Leeds, North Dakota. He taught business, biology and driver’s education. After seven years in Leeds, he completed his master’s degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of North Dakota-Grand Forks. In 1962, he moved his family to Two Harbors for a position as Guidance Counselor at the Two Harbors High School, where he continued until retiring 31 years later, in 1993. He also taught “behind the wheel” driver's ed. He loved every aspect of his job!

Rodger and family enjoyed camping in the summers and snowmobiling in the winters with a number of other couples and their children. We had some unforgettable trips together! He felt blessed by having five children that he was very close to and truly loved.

Rodger loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His passion was deer hunting, spending many hours in the woods and at the deer shack with his sons, grandson, and friends. he was able to hunt until the age of 91!

In the winter months, Rodger enjoyed 26 years of curling until He and Adeline became snowbirds and spent 16 winters in the Rio Grande Valley enjoying the warmth of South Texas. During those winters away, they made many friends at their home in Donna, TX and at their Church in Weslaco, Texas.

A faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran in Two Harbors since 1962, his Christian faith was very important to him. During his last months with us, he often said, 'he was ready to go home and be with Jesus!'

Rodger was preceded in death by parents; twin brother, Rodney; sisters, Irma and Delphine; great-granddaughter, Courtney Ann Aho; and son-in-law, Tom Grussendorf.

He is survived by wife of 72 years, Adeline; children Sandra (John) Wilson, Connie (Cole) Nelson, Daryl (Nancy) Olson, Sheila (David) Philipps, and David (Debra) Olson; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren, with #19 on the way!

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Friday, April 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Two Harbors.