Arnold Olson of Watkins died Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003, at Assumption Home in Cold Spring. He was 81. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Ostmark Lutheran Church with Pastor J. David Nelson officiating. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Friday at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment was at Ostmark Church Cemetery. Arnold Carl Olson was born June 2, 1922, to Roy and Emma (Peterson) Olson in Kingston Township, Meeker County, Minn. He was baptized and confirmed in Ostmark Lutheran Church. He grew up in Kingston Township and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1940. After high school, Arnold spent one year working in California. Arnold was united in marriage to Dorothy Reed on Feb. 10, 1945. They farmed in Kingston Township. He served as a member on the Country School Board and was a member of the Ostmark Lutheran Church Board. Arnold loved farming. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed bowling, traveling, collecting antique farm equipment, and wintering in Yuma, Ariz. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Olson was preceded in death by his parents and by a grandson in infancy. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; children Gary (and Donna) Olson of Litchfield, Orlin Olson of Watkins, Steven (and Paige) Olson of Litchfield, Gayle (and Jim) Barka of Mora; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
