Ernest F. Olson

Ernest F. Olson, 91, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Friday, August 27, 2010 at Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Ernest was born on October 18, 1918 to Rudolph and Emelia (Aslakson) Olson in Hoff Township of Pope County, Minnesota. He was baptized at West Zion Lutheran Church in Clontarf, Minnesota by the Reverend Christ Pederson and confirmed by the Reverend K.R. Palmer. Ernest attended public school at District 85 in Pope County and Benson High School in Benson, Minnesota. In 1942, Ernest entered the United States Army and did his basic training in Little Rock, Arkansas. After basic training he was stationed in Puerto Rico, New Guinea and served in the liberation of the Philippines. Ernest was honorably discharged in December of 1945. His medals included: the Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon with one bronze star, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal and six overseas service bars. After his discharge from the Army, Ernest worked several jobs. He did farm work, road construction, combining and worked at a lumber yard. Ernest is survived by his sister, Ruth Knapp of Detroit Lakes, MN; several nieces and nephews. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Genevieve Burbank and Harriet Lee, one brother, Juliet Olson, three brothers-in-law, William Knapp, Jimmie Burbank and Harold Lee.