Merwyn Olson

   Merwyn Carlyle Olson, age 76, a lifetime Park Rapids area resident, peacefully passed into eternal life on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at the University of MN Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN surrounded by his loved ones.    Merwyn was born April 4, 1940 in Park Rapids, MN to Carl and Grace (Wilson) Olson.  He attended Park Rapids public schools graduating with the class of 1958.  As a young man Merwyn built and raced stock cars in a racing career that spanned over seventeen years.  On October 9, 1960, Merwyn was united in marriage to Judith Ann Sartain at the Church of Christ in Nevis, MN.  This union was blessed with three children: Carla, Murray and Jerry.  In 1960, Merwyn began a union career that spanned over forty years.  He first worked for the United Steel Workers, then for Wally Horkey in Park Rapids and then Gieser Plumbing & Heating in Park Rapids.  In 1967 Merwyn and Judy began running Sears & Roebuck and they ran the store together for twenty-five years.    In 1976, Merwyn joined the Local Union #126 out of Detroit Lakes, working as a pipe fitter throughout the region until his retirement in 2002.  Merwyn loved the outdoors, especially when he could be hunting or fishing.  He was gifted at fixing almost everything.  He enjoyed fixing cars free for those who couldn’t afford to go to town and he was an excellent welder.  Merwyn loved animals of all kinds.  Merwyn supported the Uff Da Handicappers in hunting on his property each year.  Above all, Merwyn will be remembered for his love and devotion for his family and the enjoyment he derived from sharing a cup of coffee and stories with friends.     Merwyn will be lovingly remembered by his children: Carla (Brent) Haynes of Nevis, MN, Murray (Mary) Olson of Inver Grove Heights, MN and Jerry Olson (Jenni Wellman) of Park Rapids, MN; grandchildren; Wendy Krause, Scott Haynes, Coleman Haynes, Kayla Olson, Austin Olson, Alexis Billing Olson, two great grandchildren: Bryn and Raylan; one sister, Barbara Baxter of Osakis, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Judy in 2012; his parents and one brother, Lowell “Swede” Olson.    A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be made in the Henrietta Cemetery.