Loren D. Olson, 94, Ada, MN, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at 2:00pm in his home surrounded by his family's love.

Loren was born on Oct. 9, 1921, to Roy and Marie (Ramstorf) Olson in Ada, MN. Loren was baptized and confirmed at 1st Lutheran Church, Ada. He graduated from Ada High School in 1939. Loren enlisted in the United States Army in 1940 and served with the 3rd and 30th Infantry divisions in WWII from 1940 through 1945. He took part in the "D" Day invasion of France and in all five of the Battles of Normandy, Northern France, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart Medal.

Loren married Dora Sannes on Nov. 11, 1950. They enjoyed over 65 years of wedded bliss (he lovingly called her ("my nurse"). They were blessed with 3 children: Kevin (Rose) Olson, Priest River, ID, Rhonda (Rodger) Geddes, Waubun, MN, and Gwen (Ahmad) Abuhedjleh, River Falls, WI; 4 grandchildren: Tory (Dustin) Thompson, Phoebe Olson, Khalid Abuhedjleh and Pharah Abuhedjleh; 3 great grandchildren: Keira, Annika and Sophia Thompson, all of who, along with Dora and sister Betty Kirchmeier survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters: Elaine Menge and Eleanor Rafftery.

Loren was a life member of the Ada V.F.W. of which he is a past Commander and Quartermaster. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Loren was employed by Simpson Motor Company (Ford Dealership) as an accountant and parts manager until his retirement in 1987.

Loren was a member of the "the great generation" whose strength of character, self-sacrifice, and love of freedom molded them into the mighty force that defeated evil in World War II and forged us into a mighty nation.

Loren was a family man above all else. His love was a total commitment that knew no bounds. He performed his work with dedication and pride; accountant by day and sign painter during the evenings and on weekends to support his family.

Loren loved fishing and life at the lake. The entire family shared in his passion, eagerly awaiting weekends and annual vacations at our lake retreat. Loren's oil and acrylic painting was a hobby pursued over a lifetime of honing his skills and for which he won numerous awards and much admiration. It is a testament to his indomitable spirit that someone who saw so many horrors early in life could find so much beauty in the world.

Loren was a stickler for detail, whether accounting, his paintings, or numerous journals he kept. He could tell you how many fish he caught on a given date, their weight, the bait used, the weather, and even who the fish were gifted to, Loren believed every kid should have the opportunity to fish. He had extra poles ready so any child who happened along could fish whether he knew them or not.

Loren's annual garden was a source of pride and good food. His family called him the "onion man of northern MN." for the thousands of onions he grew every year for family and friends. Loren had a good singing voice and would entertain his family by singing songs to them. One of his favorites was "Red River Valley." In later life he wrote a book "Fox Holes Across Europe", a cathartic project which documents for posterity his experiences during the war.

A man of surprising talents, great passion and sensitivity, lover of all things beautiful, and a great treasure to his family, a love that transcends time and death.

Funeral: 11:00AM, Monday, January 18, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada.

Visitation: 4:00-6:00PM, Sunday with a 5:30 prayer service all at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN and one hour before the service at the church.

Interment: Ada City Cemetery, Ada, MN.