Harlan Carl Olson

Harlan Carl Olson, age 83, of rural St. Peter, passed away peacefully April 22, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, June 25, 2021 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Dr., in North Mankato and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Peter. The family prefers memorials be given to Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mayo Clinic Heart Center or donor’s choice.

Harlan was born November 21, 1937 to Hilding and Ruth (Gunderson) Olson in Mankato. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1956 and then farmed with his father in in Belgrade Township. His youth was filled with church and 4-H activities. In 1963, he married his lifetime sweetheart, Bonita Bitker in Austin, Minnesota. Together, Harlan and Bonnie raised their four children working side by side on the family farm. Harlan was very active in church and 4-H activities as an adult leader as well as other civic groups.

Harlan enjoyed his career as a farmer. God’s creation was important to him and he felt helping care for it was his duty. He passed to God’s Heaven on Earth Day.

He retired from farming in 2001 due to health problems. After retirement, Harlan enjoyed woodworking, building birdhouses and feeders, gardening, fishing, and spending time at the lake. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, Bonnie and his family.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Harlan Edward (Cheryl) Olson, Kevin (Lisa) Olson, Noel (Jenny) Olson, and Shawna (John) Kopp; grandchildren, Edward, Andrew, Caitlyn, Mikala (Andy) Ness, Jordan, Erin, Kenny and Maya; and great-granddaughter, Marleigh Ness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rev. Marvin Olson and Roger Olson; and infant granddaughter, Ruth.