Russell Olson, of Milan, died on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN at the age of 79. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan with Rev. Tom Opoien officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Russell Odell Olson was born on May 21, 1929 in Chippewa County, MN to Ole and Annie (Johnson) Olson. He was baptized on June 23, 1929 and confirmed on May 16, 1943. He attended Milan Schools and graduated from Milan High School in 1947. On September 4, 1949, he was united in marriage with Carol Thompson at Providence Valley Lutheran Church of rural Dawson, MN. They farmed near Milan until his retirement. In May of 2008, they moved into Milan. He was a member of Kviteseid Lutheran Church, where he taught the Bethel Series, was a Sunday School teacher, served on the Church Council and had served as President of the Congregation. He served on the Milan Elevator Board, Chippewa County - Montevideo Hospital Board, loved going to the cafe for coffee with his friends and especially enjoyed going to all of his grandchildren's activities. He is survived by his wife Carol; four children: Jane (and Gary) Boraas of Madison, MN, Connie (and Tim) Larson of Willmar, MN, Charlotte (and Craig) Strand of Milan, MN and Jeffrey (and Cynthia) Olson of Chanhassen, MN; twelve grandchildren: Christy (and Adam) Boraas Alsleben, Erik Boraas, Andrea, Jonathan and Elizabeth Larson, R.J., Kelby, Rachel and Lucas Strand, and Siri, Teigen and Annika Olson; a sister, Janet (and Arlo) Tostenson of Milan; as well as by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Russell; and by two sisters: Arlene Grossman and one in infancy.