E. Robert ’Bob’ Olson

Emil Robert Olson "Bob", age 71, of Moorhead, Minnesota died at Eventide on Monday, February 21, 2011. Bob was born on December 27, 1939, to Emil and Esther Olson, Moorhead. Bob attended grade school at Clearview, rural Moorhead, and High School at Moorhead State Teachers College Campus School.Bob married Donna Bemis on March 25, 1961. Bob lived in Moorhead or rural Moorhead all his life. He farmed closely with his father in Moorhead Township, and later his brother, Dewey, farmed with them. When he retired from farming he moved to the city. Bob loved the land and farming. From the age of 12 his lifelong dream was to be a farmer. He served on the Crystal Sugar Research and Education Board for many years. He had a strong sense of community and giving back to his community. He served as a Moorhead township officer for many years, following in his father's footsteps. In 1994 he received the township leader of the year award at the county and state level. He served on the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Board. His faith was important to him also. He was a lifelong member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, and in his church he served on council, the foundation, stewardship committee and many other committees. In each of these things he made many lifelong friends. After retirement he served on the Buffalo Red River Watershed Board.He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Donna, his children, Jarrod Anita, Aberdeen, South Dakota, Jennifer, New Britain, Connecticut, and Kevin and his fiancée Erin Wadman, Albertville, Minnesota, his sister Judith Allan Evernham, and his brother Dewey Diane. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Ardys Dan Zimmerman.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead, MN or Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.