Date of Birth:
Friday, October 3, 1952
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Age:
58 years old

Norris Lee Severin Olson

Norris Lee Severin Olson, 58 years old, of Rochester, died at Seasons Hospice on December 9, 2010 with his wife at his side.    He was born October 3, 1952 in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota to Norris and Jean Olson.  He grew up on a scenic farm near Fairfax, Minnesota. Norris was salutatorian of his Fairfax, MN high school class, and graduated from Southwest State College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology after just 3 years of study.

On May 3, 1975 he married Diane Peterson in Morgan, Minnesota.  He started two Rochester businesses: the Trading Post, a used furniture and antique store, and Olson Advertising.  Later, he sold residential real estate for many years.

Norris was a loving husband, had a zest for living, and was known for his distinctive laugh.   He was a member of People of Hope Church, Rochester, MN.   He traveled widely in the United States and abroad, and loved big cars and boats.  Norris read voraciously about history, nature, mechanics and other topics.    He loved music and was continually perfecting his home music system.  He was a particularly skilled nature photographer.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Olson, brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Danette Olson and brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Don and Fay Peterson of Apple Valley, MN, Dave and Beverly Peterson of Arnolds Park, IA, and John and Marilyn Lund of Marshall, MN.  He is also survived by his aunt, nieces and nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at People of Hope Church with Pastor Dan Doering officiating. Visitation will be 4:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior services at church. Burial will be in the Hauge Cemetery at Central Lutheran Church near Fairfax, MN at a later date.

Although he would have liked a longer life, he was pleased that he had filled his life with a wide variety of interests and tried to live each day to the fullest.    He was thankful for all the care he received to the end of his life from Mayo Hospice and Seasons Hospice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com