Melvin Helmer Olson was born June 26, 1904, in Dawson, MN, the son of Otto C. and Jennie (Johnson) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Dawson. He farmed with his dad until his marriage with Helen Wyman in Madison, MN, on February 20, 1930. After their marriage, they farmed in rural Boyd and Dawson. They were residents of Watson for 8 years where they operated the Watson Recreation. They returned to Dawson and owned and operated Mel's Texaco at the corner of highway 212 and sixth street. After his retirement Mel "Gramps" enjoyed being 'chief help' to the Henrich & Sons Cement Works in Dawson and loved seeing his great-grandchildren.
Mel died on Saturday, September 5, 1998, at he Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson at the age of 94 years, 2 months, and 9 days.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Olson of Dawson; 3 grandchildren: Curtis Haakenson and wife, Elaine, of Fargo, ND, Steven Haakenson and wife, Kathy, of St. Joseph, MO, and Wanda Sis and husband, Gene, of Dawson; 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lucille Grosklags of Fairfax, MN; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Darlene Haakenson in 1993; brothers: Lawrence (Jack) Olson and Luverne Olson; and sisters: Myrtle Olson in infancy and Myrtle Hanson.