J. Duane Olson

J. Duane Olson, age 76, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, October 31st, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8th, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 7th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

John Duane Olson was born on July 5, 1946, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents John and Mary (Vedbraaten) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston. He grew up in Rosebud Township and attended Pine Hill country school until the eighth grade when he attended Fosston High School. He graduated in 1964. He then continued his education at the vocational school in Staples, Minnesota for heavy equipment operating.

In 1965 he joined the Army National Guard and served his country for six years. He was united in marriage to Janet Watnemo on November 4, 1967. Together they had three children – Lynn, Joel and Tami.

He was a proud member of the Teamsters Local No. 346 for 37 years (1971-2008) and was a Union Steward, working for Thorson, Inc, Northstar and Knife River as a truck driver.

He worked winters for Lenes doing snow removal and for Polk County mowing road sides for 13 years until failing health.

J. Duane is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janet of Fosston; two sons, Lynn (April Miller) and Joel (Jan); and one daughter, Tami Olson, all of Fosston; five grandchildren, Nicole Olson (Steve Theis) of Baudette, MN, Brady and Brandon Olson of Shevlin, MN, Joshua Olson of Grand Forks, ND, and Ryan Olson of Fosston; two great granddaughters, Alivia and Lettie Theis; a special cousin, Gary (Mary Jo) Olson of Fosston; two brothers-in-law, Doug (Carol) Watnemo of Maplewood, MN and Jarvis (Mary) Watnemo of Hutchinson, MN. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents.