Mandus Richard OLSON

Notes:

His obit:

Mandus Richard Olson, 72, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007, of Oro Valley, Ariz., surrounded by his five children who helped him transition to the heavens.

Mandy was born on July 13, 1935, to Otto and Effie Olson, in Maplewood Township, and was raised in Fergus Falls. It was there he met LaDonna Bloch, who became his wife of 53 years. Together they welcomed five beautiful souls into this world: Kim, Kathy, Kory, Karla, and Kristopher.

In 1959, Mandy started M R Olson Trucking, building the business into a successful enterprise. Over the course of his business life he expanded his truck fleet and three of his children participated in various aspects of the business operations.

In addition to maintaining his business, Mandy was cognizant of the needs of his fellow truck drivers working in the industry. As a member, and for a period of time president, of the Minnesota Independent Truckers Association, he vigorously lobbied on their behalf at the Minnesota Legislature for eight years. He was instrumental in the creation of numerous bills that passed into law that helped to improve the lives of truck drivers living in Minnesota.

After enjoying enormous success with his truck business, Mandy retired and sold M R Olson Trucking at the age of 47. However, unwilling to rest on his laurels, Mandy embarked on a new endeavor, M R's Used Cars, which offered inexpensive transportation to individuals with limited resources. During this period he also sponsored a women's softball team.

Mandy participated in numerous activities throughout his life. He was a Boy Scout and eventually moved on to become leader of the Explorers. He used his experience to help his two sons and grandson become successful in the Boy Scouts program.

Mandy was an enthusiastic hunter, taking trips to Northhome in northern Minnesota on a yearly basis. He was also an avid fisherman, taking trips to Canada and Mexico. Mandy was fond of the ocean, and took numerous cruises with his loved ones over the course of his life.

Mandy is reunited in the heavens with those individuals who preceded him, including his parents; three sisters, Olga, Gladys and Eunice; and two brothers, Weldon and Otto.

Individuals he left behind include his wife of 53 years, LaDonna Olson; three sons, Kim of Fort Pierce, Fla., Kory of Anoka and Kristopher of Phoenix, Ariz.; two daughters, Kathy (Begin) of Maple Grove and Karla (Pavek) of Maple Grove; six grandchildren, Sarah, Breanna, Ryan, Kayla, Jenna, Alexander; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, with visitation at 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Mandus married La Donna Lou BLOCH on 19 May 1954 in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and was divorced. La (daughter of Louis Harold BLOCH and Doris Violet TOSO) was born on 29 Jul 1936 in Otter Tail County, Minnesota; died on 20 Feb 2018 in Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church

1. Melanie OLSON was born on 19 Mar 1958 in Los Angeles County, California; died on 19 Mar 1958 in Los Angeles County, California.
2. Melinda OLSON was born on 19 Mar 1958 in Los Angeles County, California; died on 19 Mar 1958 in Los Angeles County, California.