Floyd Warren Olson

Floyd Olson - Obituary

Floyd Warren Olson was born on September 29, 1928, to Harold and Hilma Olson on the family farm near Lengby, Minnesota, where he spent his early years. He peacefully passed away in his sleep on January 16, 2026, at the age of 97 in Sunnyside, Washington. Floyd completed the eighth grade at Hoge School and graduated from Fosston High School.

In 1949, Floyd enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Japan. Corporal Olson was deployed to Korea on July 15, 1950, where he engaged in three days of combat before sustaining shrapnel injuries from an exploding shell. He was subsequently transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he underwent two surgeries. Floyd returned to Minnesota in time to celebrate Christmas on the farm that same year. In recognition of his injuries sustained during wartime, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Floyd exemplified a strong work ethic, having learned the value of hard work during his upbringing on the farm. Together with his six brothers, he cleared farmland, milked cows, harvested grain, and attended to all essential tasks to sustain the farm. He also worked alongside his brothers in the potato fields of North Dakota for a period.

In 1954, he married Ruth Johnson from Bagley, Minnesota. They settled on a farm near Shevlin, Minnesota, where they began raising their four sons. After several years, they relocated to Sunnyside, Washington in 1961, purchasing a small farm outside of town where they cultivated grapes and cherries for many years. With the help of their four sons, they maintained a large vegetable garden in addition to managing the vineyard and raising sheep for a time. Floyd was actively involved in his community and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3482 and American Legion Post 73.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hilma Olson; his sister, Audrey; and his brothers, Robert, Francis, Eugene, Earl, Orville, and Dale. He was also predeceased by his wife, Ruth, and his sons, Keith, Gale, John, and Robert.

He is survived by his brother, Quentin, and his wife, Angelines of San Diego, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews across Minnesota, Washington, California, and Arizona.

A celebration of life and Veterans memorial ceremony will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 804 S. 11th Street, Sunnyside, Washington, at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 18th. The services will be followed by a luncheon in the church fellowship

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