Richard Norman Olson, 81, of Bricelyn, died Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, at his home in Bricelyn. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Bricelyn Lutheran Church in Bricelyn. The Rev. Edward Nieman and Rev. Pat Hinkie will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Bricelyn Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the Bricelyn American Legion Post.

Richard Norman Olson was born on Sept. 13, 1926, in Brush Creek Township, the son of Gilbert and Manda (Dahl) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at North Blue Earth Lutheran Church. He graduated from Bricelyn High School and served in Italy during World War II.

On Dec. 27, 1955, he married Mary Ann Amundson in Wells. Richard farmed, worked at Queen Products in Albert Lea, and also helped the Legreds with farming. He enjoyed the Minnesota Vikings, travel to Norway, Las Vegas, Nev., and Karlstad; getting the mail, the newspaper, the TV remote control, scratch tickets, having coffee at Bud&8217;s, driving his little red pickup around Bricelyn, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was known for wearing shorts until it was below 40 degrees and loved his dog Snowball and worked on the Bricelyn Football chain gang.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann of Bricelyn; two sons, Brad (Grace) Olson of Henderson, Nev., Mark Olson (friend Tess) of Bricelyn; one daughter: Amy Knutson of Karlstad; seven grandchildren: Jason Puente, Chelcie, Emma and Anna Olson, Spencer, Tanner and Christina Knutson; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gustave and Clifford Olson; and eight sisters, Stella Simpson, Blanche Stewart, Emma Olson, Olga Billman, Evelyn Olson, Margie Dudley, Valborg Peterson and Olga Olson.