James Olson

Sent in by John Herdan, thank you John. This is Charlie Olson's brother.


James Olson, 55
- 11/06/2009

James “Jim” Edward Olson, 55, Alexandria, died October 30, 2009. Jim was born February 4, 1954 in Glenwood to Raymond and Lorraine (Krook) Olson. He was raised in Glenwood and later moved to Alexandria, where he graduated from Jefferson High School. 
Jim began a career as a truck driver. His work was his favorite hobby. Jim drove a truck for his father’s produce company, Olson’s Produce. He especially enjoyed over-the-road trucking to California, his favorite destination state. On April 11, 1981 Jim was united in marriage to LuWanna Muzik at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. The couple made their home in Alexandria where they established the Jim Olson Trucking Company.
 From age 12, Jim battled with Crohn’s disease. For three years during his career the disease disabled him. He continued to suffer complications from the disease for the rest of his life. In February 2008 Jim was permanently disabled from complications due to an infection from a broken arm. He spent two months in Innovis Hospital and several more in a nursing home trying to recover from the damage done by the infection. After returning home, his daughter, 
Shannon Olson, his son, Shawn Olson, and Kori Walker became Jim’s fulltime caregivers. Jim enjoyed ice fishing, creating latch hook rugs and building model airplanes. He spent many years working at Viking Speedway where he maintained the condition of the track. He sponsored several race cars over the years including his son Shawn’s #32, brother-in-law Ryan’s #23, and nephews, Dallas’ #1G and Brock’s #2G. 
He also sponsored his son Jamie’s snowmobile #223. His father, Raymond Olson, a brother-in-law, Tommy Muzik, and a nephew, Mark McDonald, preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife, LuWanna Olson of Alexandria; mother, Lorraine Olson of Alexandria; three sons, Bobby Olson and wife, Shawn, of Brandon, Jamie Olson of Alexandria and Shawn Olson of Bloomington; daughter, Shannon Olson of Alexandria; four grandchildren, Casey Deleski, Gavin Olson, Corbin Olson and Luca Olson; two brothers, Charles Olson and wife, Mary, of Alexandria and David Olson of Alexandria; two sisters, Sandra Erickson and husband, Dennis, of Baxter, and Glenice Vipond and husband, Robert, of Alexandria; many nieces and nephews.
 A funeral service was held November 3 at Calvary Lutheran Church. The Rev. Mark Astrup officiated. Leah Gulbrandson and Janice Doebber provided music. Jim’s nephew, Cory Olson, did special readings. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Rony Muzik, Mike Muzik, Dillon Gulbrandson, Jeff Ekdahl, Travis Vanderby, Cory Olson, Randy McDonald and Bruce Smith. Honorary casket bearers included all of Jim’s nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net. A00009B2009NV06