Sam J Olsen

Sam J. Olsen, age 98, of Lake Crystal, died Friday, July 28, 2006 at the Lake Crystal Health Care Center.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal with Rev. Randal Lubbers, officiating. Burial will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Monday at Lake Crystal Mortuary.

Sam was born May 4, 1908 to Nels and Maren (Rasmussen) Olsen in Hankinson, North Dakota. He married Merle O. Anfinson on October 14, 1938 in Lake Crystal. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked as a millright in Mankato, at Tumico Co. in St. James, and was self employed as a carpenter and painter in Lake Crystal for many years. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the American Legion John Roth Post 294. Sam enjoyed fishing, playing cards, watching baseball, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Sam is survived by a son, Nels Olsen and wife, Mary of Mankato; eight grandchildren, Nels Olsen Jr. of Glenwood Springs, CO, Gina (Tom) Massop of Minnesota Lake, Dawn (Kelly) Sandborg of Mapleton, Erin (Tom) Drews of Mapleton, Paula Nelson of Montgomery, Jennifer (Chris) Lemke of Lake Crystal, Jesse Raatz of Mankato, Eric Olsen of Mankato; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Merle in 1999; and nine siblings.