Ordean Thomas “Deanie” Olson

Tuesday, March 28, 2017 7:29 pm

Ordean Thomas “Deanie” Olson, 80, of Harmony, Minn., died Saturday, March 18, 2017, peacefully in his sleep, in Mabel, where he had made his new home at the Meadows of Mabel Assisted Living for the last six weeks. Funeral services are at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, with Rev. Rolf Svanoe officiating. Visitation is Friday from noon to 2 p.m., prior to the service. Burial is after the service in the Greenfield Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel.

Ordean was born July 17, 1936, in a stable in Mabel, above a blacksmith’s shop, to Martin and Belle (Opsahl) Olson. He attended the Harmony Public Schools. He worked for Pederson Brothers in Harmony and then for 28 years at Harmony Agri Services, were he loved hauling feed to all the local farmers. After retirement his passion was driving tractor for Mckernan farm of Harmony. He married the first love of his life, Alvera Turnmire, Nov. 6, 1971. While living in Harmony, they raised five children. Alvera passed away of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) Oct. 20, 1992. Dean was a member of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony. He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping, feeding the birds and squirrels and feeding Naomi’s chickens. He also enjoyed dancing, going for coffee and shaking dice at Tj’s/Sarah’s Coffee Shop in Canton, and taking drives to visit his grandchildren. He also enjoyed going to the cabin in the Big Woods and telling big hunting stories.

Ordean is survived by four children: Tommyjohn (Valerie) Erickson of Clermont, Tracielee (Michelle) Erickson of Rushford, Minn., Wendi (Mike) Dolton of Racine, Minn. and Barry Olson of Postville; 14 grandchildren: Jeshila Nolte and Brandon Riddle; Jacob, Matilyn, and Gabriel Erickson; Katelyn, Anika, Cole Erickson and Lucas Clark; Naomi, Emma and Axel Dolton; Brodie Olson and Mariah Durham; and a great-grandson, Cashton Nolte; sisters: Carmella “Carla” Erickson of Harmony, Phyllis Gregerson of Mabel and Daphne Lawson of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister-in-law, Janeen Olson of Harmony; brother-in-law, James Austin of Harmony; daughter-in-law, Cindy Erickson of Stewartville; and many nieces and nephews.

Ordean was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Belle; his wife, Alvera; son, Billyjoe Erickson; twin brother, OrDon; brother, LaVanne and brother Danford; sister, Betty Willert; sisters-in-laws, Junice Olson and Ada Austin; and brothers-in-law: Al Willert, John Erickson, Roger Lawson and Kenneth Gregerson; and fishing and dancing partner, and the second love of his life, Judy Stenbeck.