Watch Joe's Funeral

Joseph Olsen, age 73, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN

Joseph Charles Olsen, the son of Joseph Carroll and Marguerite "Marge" (Isakson) Olsen, was born on May 26, 1947 in Fargo, ND.  He spent his early years in the Fargo area before moving with his family to Naytahwaush, MN while in grade school.  He attended Northrup Emmerson school in Naytahwaush followed by Mahnomen High school where he graduated with the class of 1965.  As a young man, fueling his love of nature and adventure, Joe worked on an Alaskan fishing boat for a time.  He served with the United States Air Force from 1966 until 1970, during the Vietnam conflict.  Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to Naytahwaush.  Joe married Theresa Bunker Loud and together they raised four children: Melissa, Valerie, Joseph Jr., and Andrew.  Over the years, Joe spent most of his career working in the great outdoors. He loved the woods and made his living logging, trapping, ricing, and leeching.   He also spent many hours hunting and fishing.  Joe handcrafted many items, specializing in birch bark artistry.   Although he gifted many to family and friends, Joe also sold his baskets throughout the nation.   For many years, Joe proudly worked as a deputy sheriff for Mahnomen County.  He has been blessed for the past 17 years with the loving companionship of Jean Clark, with whom he shared his life.  Joe cherished his family and loved to make others laugh. His sense of humor was a treasure he shared with all around him.  Joe had many friends and will be dearly missed.

Joe is survived by his love, Jean Clark of Naytahwaush; two sons: Joseph (Christina) Jr. of Waubun, MN and Andrew (Amy) of Elbow Lake Village, MN; two daughters, Melissa Ojibway of Waubun and Valerie (Myron) Yost of Ogema, MN; sisters: Mary (Doyle) Turner of Tulaby Lake, MN, Susan Parisian of Waubun, Carol (George) Behrens of Bismarck, and Nancy Hodge of Minot; 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law: Leo Parisian and Russel Hodge.