Funeral services for James Douglas Olson, 65, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Salem Lutheran Church. The Rev. Jay Dahlvang will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Jim passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 22, 2009.
James Douglas Olson was born on Sept. 11, 1943, to Harry V. and Vernice (Hanson) Olson in Winnebago. Jim lived in various locations while growing up. He served in the United States Air Force for a short time. On July 2, 1970, he was united in marriage to Terry Mangskau in Blaine. The couple moved to Albert Lea shortly after they were married. Jim was a maintenance supervisor for Albert Lea at the City Arena until his retirement in 2008. He was currently working part time at Home Depot.  Jim was a member of Salem Lutheran Church and a former member of the Fountain Lake Sportsman Club. Jim took pride in his cooking and was known as an awesome cook by his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities, camping, gardening and NASCAR. Jim loved wildlife, especially feeding birds. He loved spending time with his girls and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Terry; children, Melissa (Josh Ellingson) Olson, Heather Olson and Chrissy Olson, all of Albert Lea, and Tim (Carolyn) Olson of Albuquerque, N.M.; grandchildren, Tristyn and Jadyn Ellingson and Tim Olson; sister Shari (Rod) Hall of Albert Lea; half-brother, Dale Olson of Blue Earth; sister-in-law, Connie (Bill) Steidler of Eyota; brothers-in-law, Mike (Carol) Mangskau of St. Paul and Charlie (Monica) Mangskau of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews, as well as his special niece Angie Enderson.
Jim was preceded in death by parents; brother, Gene Olson and sister-in-law, June Olson.
Jim was a hard-working man. He took pride in his work and instilled those values in his children. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends and by his good pal, Bodey.