George Conrad “Shorty” Olson Sr., age 96, of Hudson, passed away on Saturday morning, March 19, 2011 at the Christian Community Home. He was born the son of Tobias and Mathilda (Straum) Olson on June 29, 1914 in Tomahawk, WI. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1932. In 1940, George was united in marriage to Marcella Rose Grady in Hudson. They were blessed with two sons, George Jr. and David. Shorty retired at a sales manager with Marquette Appliance in Minneapolis.
From 1945-46, he proudly served in Japan as a supply sergeant in the US Army. Shorty was a member of the Hudson VFW and the River Falls American Legion, and he was a charter member of the Hudson Country Club. In addition to golfing, he enjoyed playing bridge and solving crossword puzzles, bowling, fly fishing and reading. Above all, Shorty had a love of family. This influenced his travel plans; he went to Norway several times to reconnect with his extended Olson family and also used those opportunities to travel with his sons and other family members. He also traveled to Canada, Alaska, Arizona, and throughout the US.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella in 1984, as well as his parents and six siblings: Harold Olson, Gladys Olson, Arvilla Olson, Margaret Cameron, Phyllis Rodgers, and Norval Olson.
George will remain in the hearts of his sons: George (Lu) Olson Jr. of Glenwood Springs CO, and David (Jan) Olson of Stillwater MN; five grandchildren: Todd (Donna) Olson, Grady (Jen) Olson, MaraLee (David) Edinger, Darik Olson, and Erika Olson; four great-grandsons: Sam, Max, AJ, and Vince; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A funeral service will be held for George at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 28 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third St., Hudson, with Pastor Dennis Nelson officiating. Military honors provided by the Hudson VFW & American Legion. Private interment at Willow River Cemetery. Visitations one hour prior to the service at church and on Sunday, March 27 from 4 until 7:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, 715-386-3725. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army.