Martin Sandfred Olson

Martin Sanfred Olson was born on December 28, 1922 to Chester and Bernice Olson in Wadena County and was taken to Our Lord on November 23, 2012 at the age of 89. He was raised in Rockwood Township and attended school into the ninth grade. On February 27, 1945 he entered the Army and served until December of 1946, when he was honorably discharged. Martin married the love of his life, Ramona Ellingworth on December 7, 1946, in Wadena, MN. Martin and Ramona were blessed with one son, Russell Raymond; and one daughter Janice Mae. He worked for his uncle, Melvin Olson in Sebeka, MN for five years. The family moved to Menahga, MN in 1952, where Martin managed Peterson-Biddick until 1972 when he and his wife, Ramona purchased the business and renamed it “Martin’s Farm Service.” He retired and liquidated the business in 2001 due to poor health. He was a fireman for many years. He was a member of the American Legion for 55 years. He was also a Lions Member for many years, where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award in 1994. Martin is survived by Ramona, his wife of 65 years; son, Russell (Carol) Olson of Frazee, MN; daughter Janice (Jerry) Steen of Dilworth, MN; grandchildren: Steven Olson, Stacy Olson,. Dana Olson, Jackie Rogahn, Jayson Rogahn; great-grandchildren Ashley Rogahn, Kailyn Rogahn Brittany Kondos, Conrad Kondos, Payge Bender, Levi Bender, Masyn Olson, Ashtyn Olson; brother and sisters-in-law; Darlene Airhart, Raymond Sr. (Susan) Ellingworth, Isadore (Bernice) Lorentz, Jack Carter, John (Debbie) Ellingworth, Gerald (Peggy) Porter, Carmen Ellingworth, Delores Rentz and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister; Eunice Windels, brothers-in-law Ray Airhart, Warren Ellingworth and Lloyd Ellingworth, and sister-in –law Marlyee Carter. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with Pastor Steven A. Bruer officiating and soloing “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jason Wright will serve as organist. Honorary Pallbearers are Roger Day, Jack Carter, Isadore Lorentz, Elder Huwe, Sheldon Olson and all of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Active Casketbearers will be Jayson Rogahn, David Olson, John Ellingworth Ray Ellingworth, Gerald Porter and Jerry Steen. Guy L. McDermert VFW Post 6206 of Menahga will provide Military Honors. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Leaf River Cemetery in Leaf River Township, Wadena County, MN.