Glenn Ronald Olson

Glenn Ronald Olson, 92, of Duluth died peacefully at home, with family by his side. Glenn was born in Minneapolis, MN, to Pearl Alberta Kleeb and George Olson. He attended Bemidji (MN) High School and graduated in 1949. He married Arlene M. Koppang from Bemidji on January 5, 1951. He started his military career at a young age and was deployed to Korea shortly after being married. After Korea, he continued his military career as a full-time member of the Minnesota Army National Guard. His military career took Arlene and him from Hibbing, MN to Duluth in 1963 where they raised their five children in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. Upon retiring from the military as a Major in 1991, Arlene suggested he find something to do with his time. He began his second career at Lakeshore Lutheran Home in Lakeside and spent many years there before retiring as the Director of Maintenance Engineering.

Glenn’s greatest love was his family. He enjoyed spending time with all of them - resort weeks, canoe trips, hunting trips, fishing trips, and holidays with as many as could gather. He loved telling stories and the family loved hearing them, especially when he would surprisingly slip in a new one that no one had ever heard!

Preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Arlene; and parents, Pearl, George; and stepfather, Roy Konietzko.

Glenn is survived by daughter, Marcia Semerau, Duluth, MN; son, Brad (Laura) Olson, Asheville, NC; daughter, Kristin (Loren) Davis, Mound, MN; son, Jeff (Paola) Olson, Murphy, NC; son, Bruce (Heidi) Olson, Altoona, WI; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marlyce Kirtland, Danbury, WI; niece, nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends. Glenn will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and Servant of Christ.

Glenn and Arlene’s children would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful, compassionate care Glenn and Arlene were provided by the staff and caregivers at the rehabilitation, independent living, and skilled nursing facilities of the Benedictine Living Community, as well as Gentiva Hospice.

A Celebration of Life Service for Glenn will be held on August 19, 2024 at 11:00am, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 North 45th Ave. East, Duluth, MN, with visitation starting at 10:00am. Interment to follow with a brief committal service with military honors at 3:00pm at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 4777 US-53, Saginaw, MN.

In lieu of flowers, Glenn requested that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in his memory. Donations can be made by calling the ADA at 763.593.5333 or going to www.diabetes.org and checking the “Dedicate this donation” box on the Donate page.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555