Elmer Adolph Olson Sr., 94
Elmer Adolph Olson Sr., 94, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, at his residence in Kalispell.
He was born June 21, 1910, in Ray, N.D., the fifth of 10 children to Alfred and Emma M. (Johnson) Olson. He attended schools in Ray and graduated from Ray High School in 1929. He attended Minot Teachers College, majoring in history with a minor in English. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1931. He received his masters degree from Western Montana College in Dillon. He later attended the University working on his doctorate. He received his doctorate from the University of Illinois.
On June 21, 1932, on his 22nd birthday, he was united in marriage to Irene A. Hartsoch in Williston, N.D. He farmed and taught school in North Dakota until 1954, when the family moved to Montana. He was principal and superintendent in various locations in Montana, including Baker, Glasgow, Frazer, Stevensville, St. Ignatius, where he and Irene had purchased a small ranch where they lived while he taught in St. Ignatius and following his retirement. They moved to Kalispell, in 1976.
He was an avid reader, he loved to read and study - a trait that he passed on to his children. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and also a member of the Montana Education Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Elmer A. Olson, Jr.; three brothers; and five sisters.
He survived by his wife, Irene Olson of Kalispell; a son, Gerald M. Olson of Clarkston, Wash.; and daughters, Carole M. O'Donnell of Baker, and Virginia Perzinski of Kalispell; a daughter-in-law, Muriel Olson of Spokane; a sister, Ruth Whitesell of Grangeville, Idaho; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, May 2, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, with Pastor Tom Glatts of the Seventh Day Adventist Church officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Road, Suite 105, Missoula, MT 59808 or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 600 N. Curtis Road, Suite 245, Boise, ID 83706.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Elmer's family.