Lester Olson

Lester H. Olson, 95, of Eau Claire, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Lake Hallie Memory Care.
Lester Hensel Olson was born on April 21, 1922 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Hans Oscar Olson and Gertrude (Erickson) Olson.
When he was about 5 years old his family moved to Osseo. They lived on various farms and he worked for his uncle, Ray Erickson for a time. When Les was 20 years old, he was hired by two brothers, Alex and Frank Gruber to work on their farm as a farm hand in Pepin County. There, he met his future bride, Lavina Anna Gruber.
Les was drafted into the Army in January, 1946, and was honorably discharged in May, 1946, due to contracting rheumatic fever. He enjoyed his time in the service, even though it was short-lived. He even enjoyed boot camp! He was assigned to the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Unit at Fort Bliss, Texas.
On June 2, 1948, Les and Lavina were married in Mondovi, Wisconsin. They moved to Eau Claire, and raised a family of ten children. Les was a charter member and former usher at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church. He was employed by Uniroyal Tire Company in Eau Claire for almost 38 years, retiring in 1984. His retirement years kept him busy. The many outdoor activities included gardening, mowing lawn and cutting timber for firewood. He was always happy to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked, be it clearing timber, helping his son during Christmas time down at the tree farm, or helping take care of grandchildren when need be. Les enjoyed his John Deere lawn mower and took care of his lawn until the age of 93. He cut down his last big tree for firewood at the age of 87. Not bad for an old Norwegian! His favorite place in the world to dine, besides at home enjoying his wife’s great cooking, was Old Country Buffet.
Les is survived by his wife Lavina of 69 years, seven sons and three daughters and 21 grandchildren: Dennis (Vicki) and children, Jodi (Brian) Verbracken and Tara (Kevin) Sorenson, Mark (Cindy) and children, Toni, Andy (Leah), Michael (Glenda), Jay (Ambur), Margene (Tom) Kewan, Tim (Terry) and children, Signey and Lars. Bonnie (Dwight) Veitch, and son, Dan (Kayla). Tom (Barb) and daughter, Megan (Sam) Hunt. Jon (Cathy) and children, Ryan, Koleena (Hillary) Harrison, Kyle, Casey (Kelly) Severson, Nick (Emily). Maury and son, Michael, Tony (Cheryl) and children, Cole and Drew, Michelle (Tim) Paulin and children, Chantel (Kagan) Frey, Trent and Mollie. 21 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, a sister, Deloris Thompson and a brother, Galerd. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, other family and friends.
Les was pre-deceased by: his parents, sisters Frances and Luaine and brother Harold, a grandson, Scott. His maternal grandparents, Andrew and Elena (Hermanson) Erickson and paternal grandparents, Knut and Betsy (Strand) Olson.
The family of Les Olson wishes to thank Lake Hallie Memory Care and Mayo Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care of Les.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Monday, November 13, 2017 at St. Olaf Catholic Church 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Fr. Paul Hoffman officiating. Visitation will be held between 4-6pm on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona, WI 54720 and one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum. After the burial, a luncheon will be held back at the church.
Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com