ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – George Brandby Olson, 87, died April 20, 2010, in St. Joseph, Minn. He was born Oct. 28, 1922, in Prairie Township, LaMoure County, N.D., the only son of Peder George and Rosetta Ellanora “Nora” (Brandby) Olson. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving with the 96th Division and in occupied Japan with the 75th Armored Division, 767th Tank Battalion. He earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Sharpshooter Badge for M1 Rifle, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He married Jean (Gusaas) Olson, April 16, 1950, and they were married 52 years, until her death Aug. 7, 2002. He was a master storyteller, ingenious, creative and artistic. He could fix anything, build or create what he needed, plant a bountiful garden, harvest a bumper crop, ride bareback with one hand holding a rifle, turn a lathe, paint a watercolor and hand-tool leather. He is survived by his six children, Cheryl and her husband, John Lorenz, of Hermon, Sheila Olson of Alexandria, Minn., Gary and his wife, Ann Olson, of Fargo, N.D., Sonja Nelson of Bismarck, N.D., Bradley and his wife, Xiaoling Olson, of Sauk Rapids, Minn., and Melody Vachal and her husband, Jason, of St. Cloud, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Sara Olson of Minneapolis, Derek Olson of Fargo, N.D., Morgan Olson of Frazee, Minn., Rachel Olson of St. Paul, Minn., Jeremy Such of Grand Forks, N.D., Brenna Vachal of Moorhead, Minn., Jordan Lorenz of Hermon, and Isaac and Shane Vachal of St. Cloud, Minn.; and five great-grandchildren, George, Noah, Riley, Elijah and Zoe Olson. Funeral services were held April 23, at First Lutheran Church, Litchville, N.D. Burial with military honors was at Spring Creek Cemetery, Hastings, N.D.
GEORGE BRANDBY OLSON
