George Vernon Olson, aged 83, passed away May 10th, 2026, at the Veteran's Home in Silver Bay, Minnesota after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

He was born on January 18th, 1943, in Columbia Heights Minnesota as the second son of Anton and Ruth Olson.

George enlisted in the military at the age of 17 and proudly served his country as a soldier in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 and earned the rank of Sergeant. He spoke of his military service as the greatest adventure of his lifetime.

After his honorable discharge, George returned to his hometown in Minnesota and became a union heavy equipment operator. In 1972 he moved his young family from the cities and settled down on 40 acres in Cook, Minnesota. A life-long outdoorsman, George enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, and reloading.

He is survived by three siblings; Den, Tom, and Ruthie Olson, and his two sons; Anthony and Michael. George also has two granddaughters: Xochitl Denatly and Xul Olson and one great-grandson named Daxton..

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, May 22nd, 2026, at 2pm at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. We invite all who knew and loved George to join us in honoring his memory.