Obituary of Merrill Byron Olson

Merrill Byron Olson, of Blaine, Mn, passed away on 10-31-2024, at the age of 86. Born on 7-25-1938, in Amery, Wisconsin, to Reverend Ole K. Olson and Evelyn (Tastad) Olson. As a child, he lived in Wisconsin, Washington State, Alberta Canada, and North Dakota, before moving to Saskatchewan, Canada, with his family after his father passed away. Merrill graduated from Lutheran Collegiate high school in Outlook, Saskatchewan, and after a term of electronics study in Minneapolis, he enlisted in the Air Force where he received further electronics training, serving in Washington state and Alaska.  Upon discharge, he was employed by Fabri-Tech in Wisconsin, and subsequently at Unisys in Minneapolis.  Merrill also served in the Army National Guard for 10 years. In retirement, he earned an associate degree at Anoka technical college and worked for the Anoka Hennepin School district. Merrill is preceded in death by his parents and first wife Nancy (Kruger) Olson. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lois (Hoffman) Olson, children Mark (Julie), Melissa (Tim), and Byron (Renee). Also survived by grandchildren Alex, Jason (Madison), Chris (Briana), Nicole (Doug), and four great grandchildren Amelia, Graham, Cohen, and Charlie, as well as siblings Opal (Warren) Krech, Gordon (Janice) Olson, and Garnett (Earl) Francis, an uncle, aunts, and many extended family members. Memorial service includes a visitation at the Cremation Society of Mn-Brooklyn Park 7835 Brooklyn Blvd Brooklyn Park, Mn 55445 on 11/22/2024 4:00-7:00 pm, followed by a service at Blaine United Methodist Church 621 115th Ave NE Blaine, Mn 55434 on 11/23/2024 at 11:00 am, visitation 10:00 am.