Services for Ted Olson
Ted Olson, 89, loving husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and friend from Bemidji, MN formerly of Clearbrook, MN passed away and was accepted into the Church Triumphant on August 14, 2016.
Theodore Berton Olson was born November 2, 1926, in Ada, MN to Theodore Edwin and Berthine (Gysland) Olson, the first of three children. In 1931 the family moved to Shevlin, MN where Ted attended elementary school, and was confirmed into the Lutheran faith in 1940 at Clearwater Lutheran Church. Throughout his life Ted demonstrated a commitment to the tenets of the Christian faith.
Ted graduated from Bagley High School in 1944. After high school he joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged as Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class in 1946. Upon discharge he attended Bemidji Teacher’s College, now Bemidji State University, and received his teaching degree. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where he would obtain his degree in science and his Master of Arts.
On November 10, 1948 he married Norma Gladys Lundmark in Bagley, MN. They were blessed with four children: Theodore Steven, Thomas Bruce, Sylvia Berthine, and Christine Marie.
Ted began his career in teaching and school administration in Russell, MN. In 1953 they moved to Gary, MN where Ted taught science and was high school principal. Ted’s longest tenure in education was in Hendrum, MN, where he spent 16 years teaching and serving as superintendent. In 1975, Ted moved to Clearbrook, MN, accepting the position of superintendent, a position he would hold until his supposed retirement in 1985. Subsequently, he held interim superintendent positions in Fertile, Red Lake Falls, Kelliher, and Laporte.
Ted’s belief was that an individual should not be satisfied with simply “belonging” to one thing or another, but should be an active and conscientious member of all aspects of their life: family, community, career, and church. His life was a testament to this belief.
When Ted had time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, chopping wood, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time at their property on Big LaSalle Lake north of Itasca State Park.
Ted is survived by his wife Norma, Bemidji, MN, their four children Theodore S. (Lynnette) Olson, Crookston, MN, Thomas B. (Jeanette) Olson, Shevlin, MN, Sylvia B. (Clif) Bitker, Bemidji, MN, and Christine M. (Thomas) Strand, Perley, MN.; ten grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Travis Bruce Olson and sister, Valborg K.I. Olson Koehne.
There will be a visitation on Friday, August 19th from 5-7pm at Cease Funeral Home, Bemidji, MN. Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, August 20th, with visitation 1 hour prior, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Clearbrook, MN.
Messages of condolence may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com