Merrill "Bud" Olson, 85, Ada, MN, died Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Benedictine Care Community, Ada.

Merrill Murray Olson was born at home on March 22, 1929, in Winchester Township, near Borup, MN. His parents were Oscar and Lucy (Babler) Olson. He attended rural school and later graduated from Borup High School in 1947. He served in the United States Army from 1953- 1954. He was honorably discharged and returned home to farm with his Dad.

Bud was united in marriage to Valarie Shaide, in 1965 and they moved to Perley where he was employed by the Perley Cenex for over 30 years.  While employed there he was manager for several years and worked there until his retirement.  Bud moved back to the homestead in the 1980's where he resided until moving to Ada in 2008.  After retiring he worked for various area farmers including Paul and Carol Houglum Farms, Nancy Merkens Farm and Rob Myers. In his spare time he loved to fish at Lake of the Woods with his fishing buddies, son, and grandchildren.

Bud looked forward to deer hunting in the fall out at the cabin at Roy Lake. You could find Bud in the evenings out at the farm, tinkering in the barn or weeding his vegetable garden. Bud's military service as a cook carried over into a lifetime of cooking for family and friends.  He was known for making his beans at most all community gatherings. Three things you could always find in his fridge, no matter what time of year it was, included pink lemonade, Butterfingers and Recees Peanut Butter Cups. During his years living in Perley he was a volunteer member of the Perley Fire Department.  Bud was also a long time member of the Red River Valley Sportsman's Club in Perley.

Bud is survived by his children, Heidi Olson, Fargo, ND, DuWayne (Virginia) Olson, Ada, Kim (Brian) Eriksmoen, Sherwood, ND,grandchildren, Brian (Jodi) Olson, Nicholas (Heather) Olson, Aaron Olson, Carley Olson, Charles Eriksmoen, Jason (Wendy) Eriksmoen, Amy (Jason) Bohamnan, and Jody (Mike) Weigel, great grandchildren, Cayden Olson, Lillian Olson, Nicholas, Alexis, Allie and Emmalee Eriksmoen, Slade and Dax Bohamnan, Devin, Mason and Bayla Weigel, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Marion Crompton.

Funeral: 2:30PM, Saturday, April 12, 2014, at Winchester Lutheran Church, Borup, MN.

Visitation: Friday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30PM in the church.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.