Lyle Olson

Lyle was born March 9, 1938, in Norman County, MN, to Martin & Agnes (Nelson) Olson.  He attended country school near their farm and graduated from high school in Gary, MN, He attended Bemidji State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1960.  He taught History, Physical Education and coached basketball in Gary, Island of Guam and Motley; while in Motley he coached the Motley Rockets Basketball team to its first Lake Region Championship and Sub-District 24 Championship in 1967-1968.  Lyle later went back to Bemidji State University and earned his master’s degree in Science and Education and then again in the eighties earning another master’s degree in counseling.  Lyle worked as the high school counselor in Truman, LaPorte, Akeley and Browerville.  Lyle started the Area Learning Center in Long Prairie where he served as the Director, teacher and counselor. 

Lyle married Katherine Hillmer on December 3, 1977.  He was a very loving and caring father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He loved the casino trips with Kathy to play bingo, going fishing, camping and playing cards and word puzzles.  Lyle had a paper route with the boys, worked on many projects and some early driving skills!  He loved being with the grandkids, creating mischief, watching all activities, pulling pranks, taking pictures, having tea parties, playing cribbage & dice and very large ice cream cones.  Lyle loved his pets through the years; he even took the dogs for ice cream.  He was an avid sports fan and could often be found watching multiple games at one time; he attended Vikings, Twins and Gophers games but especially enjoyed watching the Tigers and enjoyed his 30 years in the press box running the clock. 

In retirement, Lyle enjoyed his time downtown with the Coffee Crew shaking dice and solving the world’s problems, even introducing the game Bejou to Browerville.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents; sister Mrytle (Karl) Strand, brother Gene (Edna) Olson sister-in-law Donna Olson, brothers- in-law Harold McCollum and John Nansen, nephews:  Jeffry & Jason Nansen and niece Becky Olson.

Lyle is survived by his wife Katherine; children:  Michael (Jill) Olson, Eric (Kimberly) Olson; grandchildren:  Ashley Olson, Bo Olson, Brianna Olson and Mara Olson; great granddaughter Aleeza Montgomery; siblings:  Owen Olson, Muriel McCollum and Arlene Staiger.

Lyle leaves us with many great memories!  He will be remembered for his love of life, sense of humor and great conversations.

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