Obituary of C. Merle & Eileen Olson

Clifford Merle Olson, 81, died on Feb. 4, 2003, in Florida. Merle was born July 6, 1921 on the family farm in Blackhoof Valley to Flossy and Hugo Lage Waldemar Olson. He attended Blackhoof Valley School for eight years and graduated with honors from Barnum High School. He worked for his parents on the farm known then as H. L. Olson and Son. His father died unexpectedly, and the farm was re-named Hi-Lo Acres to incorporate his initials and to reflect the setting. The dairy operation was shut down, progressive farming techniques were introduced, and emphasis was placed on growing and marketing potatoes, cabbage, rutabagas, strawberries, sweet corn and grains. Farming success led to positions with several organizations, including Carlton County Farm Bureau, Silver Valley Farm Bureau, Carlton County Agricultural Extension Board, American Farm Bureau Federation and Florida Farm Bureau Association. He made a special effort to get laws enacted which would benefit the family owned farm. Additionally, he was a director of the Carlton National Bank. He was instrumental in the formation of the Central Fire Department, and served on church and school boards. Mr. Olson enjoyed playing cards, bowling and golf. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Moose Lake, Minn., Country Club, DeLand, Florida Country Club and past member of the Cloquet Rotary Club. He loved taking the family on adventurous road trips and capturing events on home movies. Eileen Mae Olson, 79, died on Sept. 9, 2003, in Florida. She was born to William and Martha Sprecker in Wrenshall on Sept. 16, 1923. She attended Wrenshall school for 12 years, graduating as salutatorian. She continued her education at Duluth Business College and after graduation was employed as an auditor for Minnesota Power and Light. Eileen fulfilled a large role in the farming operation and as a homemaker. She managed the finances and oversaw the produce packaging operation, which employed many local teenagers through the years. She prepared the noon-time meals and coffee breaks for the employees. Eileen was active in the PTA, 4-H and the Minnesota Farm Bureau Association. She was a member of both the Moose Lake and DeLand Country Clubs. She enjoyed playing cards, knitting, Brazilian needlework, reading and painting. She belonged to the Hidden Valley Friendship Club and Bridge group. Merle and Eileen had been married for 59 years, the third generation to celebrate fifty years or more. Since 1970 they had spent the winter months at the Hidden Valley Mobile Home Park in De Leon Springs, Fla. Following retirement in 1987, they made this their residence. They were members of both the Salem Lutheran Church of Mahtowa, Minn., and De Leon Springs United Methodist Church, Fla. Survivors include daughter,Leslie Rueb and husband David of Martinez, Calif.; a son, Lanny Olson and wife Patricia of Cloquet, Minn.; daughter, Carol Ormson and husband Peter of Albuquerque, N.M.; a sister, Marilyn Tischer and husband Lawrence of Rochester, Minn.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graveside memorial service was held on Thursday, August 5, 2004 at the Sandy Lake Cemetery. The cemetery is located east of Mahtowa on County Road 4 at the County Road 5 and Olson Road intersection. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet.