Farrel G. Olson, 90
Farrel G. Olson, 90, passed away in Henderson, Nev., "and began his new, eternal life in Christ" on Wednesday, July 13, 2005.
He was born Feb. 11, 1915, in Wildrose, N.D., the son of Norwegian parents, Bennie and Mabel Olson. He was raised on a farm near Wildrose and attended a one-room school, graduating from Wildrose High School in 1934.
He worked on farms and logging camps in Montana and then as a helmsman on a Norwegian freighter, traveling to Japan, Singapore, Borneo and Samatra.
Farrel married his beloved wife, Mary, in 1939 in Conrad. They celebrated almost 60 years of marriage until she passed away in 1998. They operated a service station together in Dutton and then a bowling alley and restaurant in Miles City. During this time, Farrel learned to fly and became a private pilot. From 1940 to 1946, Mary and Farrel lived in Seattle, where he was a civilian air force instructor (electrical) on B-17s and B-29s in the Boeing Flying Fortress School. They returned to Great Falls, where they lived for the next 46 years.
They raised three daughters and later were blessed with six granddaughters.
Farrel worked for the John Deere Company for 25 years, earning several trips for Mary and him to the Bahamas, Bermuda and Europe. He was a loyal supporter of the John Deere Co. throughout his life. After retirement, he was a hail adjuster for the state of Montana.
Mary and Farrel moved to Kalispell in 1992 and then to Henderson in 1996.
Farrel was an active member of the Masonic organization for 55 years, earning his 32nd degree. He was president of the Great Falls Shrine Club in 1983, a member of the Motorsikl Tauf, a life member of the Elks, and he received the honorary red cap award for the Scottish Rite.
For 15 years, Farrel was active in the Cascade County Sheriff's Posse; and also was past president of the Great Falls Saddle Club. He spent many weekends with his family, helping with 0-Mok-Sees, polo games and parades.
He was a skilled horseman and taught his daughters how to handle, ride, love and appreciate horses.
He also belonged to the Sons of Norway, Good Sams Club, Bethel Lutheran Church in Great Falls, Calvary Lutheran in Kalispell and Christ the Servant Lutheran in Henderson.
His favorite hobby was big-game hunting. He helped guide many pack trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He also loved pheasant and deer hunting, as well as fishing.
Farrel was a true gentleman, honest, caring and sincere. His favorite pastime was visiting with family and friends. He was dearly loved, respected, and enjoyed by all and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Olson; granddaughters, Britt Belschner and Misty Evenson; sister, Alpha Fortier; and his parents.
Farrel is survived by his daughters, Shirley Murray and husband, Scott, of Las Vegas, Cynde Pickett and husband, Dan, of Las Vegas, and Cheryl Beck and husband, Greg, of Columbia Falls; granddaughters, Mandy Stebbins of Bethel, Alaska, Holly Desch of Kalispell, Ellie Bicha of Montrose, Colo., and Katie Stebbins of Kalispell; and numerous other relatives. He also leaves behind his dog, JayDee.
Farrel's deep faith and trust in the Lord comforted him and sustained him throughout his life.
A celebration of Farrel's life was held in Henderson at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church.
Memorials to the Great Falls Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic and/or cards may be sent to Cynde Pickett, 6984 Troubadour Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89119.