Alfred Lundby Olson, 91, Beltrami, MN, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Riverview Hospital, Crookston, MN. He was born on February 29, 1920, to Alfred Sr. and Dagny (Hanson) Olson in Crookston, MN. Alfred was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church and attended Willowby District #209 rural school, both near his home. He graduated from the Agriculture School in Crookston and returned home to farm with his family.
On May 13, 1943, Alfred was united in marriage to Margie Nordlum in Crookston and cherished 67 years of wonderful companionship. They continued to live on the farm site Alfred's great-grandfather founded until the present. Over the years, Alfred raised cattle, hogs and chickens and grew small grains. In the late 1970's, Alfred reduced his farm-related duties and rented the land. He continued to expand his knowledge and business skills by working as a crop adjustor, a county assessor and with Garfield Insurance as a sales person. During sugar beet harvests, Alfred worked a few seasons at the scale house, keeping him engaged in the farming community. November 2010, he entered Riverview Nursing Home, and Margie was able to be with Alfred during the last months.
Alfred was active in 4-H during the years his children were involved with the club. He also served on many boards with the township, local elevators and other organizations. As a member of Varnes Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, Alfred served as president and secretary/treasurer. Currently, Alfred and Margie are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Beltrami.
For years steady, hard work consumed Alfred's time. Because he deeply valued Margie, they would take short trips together to refresh their relationship. During the course of the growing season, Alfred and Margie liked driving in the area looking at crops and sharing a picnic. He enjoyed reading, especially about Minnesota and Norwegian History, and learning new words and their meanings. "A real gentleman" is the phrase that reflects Alfred's countenance and mannerism. He was a deeply committed Christian and member of Varnes. As a son, husband and father, Alfred's heart was the welfare and health of those closest to him. He truly loved his family and made each family member a priority in his life.
Alfred is survived by his wife, Margie, Beltrami; three children, Mary Anderson, Eagan, MN, Raymond, Santa Cruz, CA, and Carol (Ron) Brown, Blaine, MN; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Shane (Brenda) Anderson, and their children, Gabriel, Grace, and Jayden, Minneapolis; Rebecca Anderson, Minneapolis; Andreas Olson, Idaho; and Scott Brown, Portland, OR, and Christopher Brown, Minneapolis; two sisters, Doris (John) Sorenson, Ridgefield, WA, and Jean (Arnold) Okerman, Littleton, CO; several nephews, nieces, and cousins. His parents and two sisters, Agatha Willert and Olive Baumgartner, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at 11 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Beltrami, MN.
Visitation will be from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Beltrami, MN.
Burial will be in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Beltrami, MN
Pastor Carl Hansen, Officiating

Jolene Billings, Organist

Congregational Hymns
WOV #734 "Softly and Tenderly"
WOV #731 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
Insert "God Be With You"

Ray and Marvie Stromstad, Duet
"Sheltered In The Arms Of God"

Pallbearers
Andreas Olson Shane Anderson
Gabriel Anderson Scott Brown
Christopher Brown Ron Brown

Honorary Pallbearers
Rebecca Anderson Chester Aanden