Gordon Olson, age 81, of Twin Valley, MN, died Monday, January 30, 2012 in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo.

Donald Gordon Olson was born May 16, 1930, in Fossom Township east of Twin Valley, the son of Clarence and Byrde (Johnson) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed his faith at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. Growing up, Gordon attended Four Corner Country School and soon after began working for area farmers as well as in North Dakota. He later served his country in the Army Air Corps as a paratrooper, truck driver and equipment operator. Following his honorable discharge, Gordon returned to the Twin Valley area where he married Shirley Ellingworth, and later divorced. On March 11, 1966, Gordon was united in marriage to Delores Pinske in Sisseton; SD. The couple made their home in the Twin Valley area. Gordon was employed for many years by Abbot-Arne-Schwindt, Inc. in Moorhead, MN, as a crane operator in the tri-state area. Later he was employed by Moorhead Construction until he retired at the age of 62. After his retirement, Gordon kept busy for the next ten years working for Kevin Paulsrud in Halstad, MN.

Gordon was a member of the 49ers Operating Engineers Union for many years. His favorite past times included card playing, watching western movies, loved horses and his most favorite, professional wrestling. Gordon enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but he truly treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Delores of Twin Valley; sons: Tom (Tami), Don, and Reed (Denise) all of Twin Valley, and Tim (Kathy) of Owyhee, NV; daughter, Linda of Twin Valley; step-son, Brian Ellingworth; a sister, Barbara (Russell) DeLong of Elk River, MN; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; one sister; one great-nephew and a granddaughter, Dana.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. Visitation was Friday from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Officiating was Pastor Al Brooks with Jolee Habedank serving as organist, Kayla Korsgaden as pianist and Rhoda Habedank serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Alan Pinske, Dean Bentley, John Habedank, Jeff Jenson, Steve Chilton and Kris Chilton. Honorary Pallbearers were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chassidy, Melody, Derick, Dusty, Luke, Brittny, Katie, Brooke, Bailey, Zane, Cairo, Hunter, Zoe, Lexie, Haylee, Landyn. Military Honors were provided by Twin Valley Nesseth-Lien Post #431 of the American Legion.

Interment was in Twin Valley Memorial Garden Cemetery.