Raymond
Olson, 75Tucson, AZ - Raymond E. Olson, 75, passed away October 5, 1997.
Graveside services will be held today, October 8 at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ.
Raymond was born July 6, 1918 in Holt, the son of Racine and Esther (Mickelson) Olson. He attended school in Holt and moved with his family to Thief River Falls where he graduated from high school in 1935. He worked for his father in an auto repair shop and as a truck mechanic for L.B. Hartz Wholesale. On October 31, 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he served as an airplane mechanic and flight engineer in the US Theater until his discharge on January 26, 1946.
On June 15, 1952 Raymond was united in marriage to Beverly McGrane in Detroit Lakes. In 1958, he began employment as an instructor in auto mechanics at the Area Vocational School and was Teacher of the Year in 1979. He continued as instructor and department head until his retirement in 1981.
After retirement Raymond and his wife wintered in Tucson, AZ until moving there permanently in 1988.
Raymond played hockey with the "Thieves" in the States Dominion League and coached grade school hockey for a number of years. He also enjoyed bowling, curling, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member there for many years. He currently belonged to Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson. He was a member of the American Legion and was a life-time member of the Elks.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Beverly Olson; two sons, Paul and Brent (Sharon) Olson; three grandchildren; one sister, Marcella, all of Tucson, AZ; one brother, Robert of Seldovia, AK; his aunt, Stella Burtness of Thief River Falls; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step mother; and one brother, James.