Lowell “Ole” Stenborg Olson, age 89, a lifelong resident of Grantsburg passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Burnett Medical Center Continuing Care Center.

Lowell was the youngest of 3 boys, born on February 28, 1932 to parents, Charles Oliver Olson and Emma (Stenborg) in the same home his mother was born in.

This home was located on South Oak Street in Grantsburg and is known as “Emma’s House” now owned by the Grantsburg Historical Society. He was baptized and confirmed at the Old English Lutheran Church in Grantsburg that was located in the NW corner of South Oak Street and West Broadway. The Old English Church later became Faith Lutheran at its current site today.

Lowell graduated from Grantsburg High School in the Class of 1949. He was a good athlete excelling at basketball, baseball and football. He enlisted and served in the Navy from 1950-1954 on the U.S.S. Burton Island stationed out of Long Beach, CA. The ship made 2 annual trips to Point Barrow, AL breaking ice and clearing the way for other naval and commercial ships. He greatly enjoyed his time in the Navy seeing things few have seen.

He married Marlys Mae Thompson on November 19, 1955 at Bethany Lutheran Church. It was a Saturday during Wisconsin deer season and his older brothers, Paul and Wesley who stood up for them were not real happy about the date selected.

To this couple, two children were born, Bradley in 1960 and Julie in 1969. He worked the vast majority of his life in and around the Grantsburg area in the lumber business for Consolidated Lumber Company, dba, Arrow Building Center and later working a number of years at Bass Lake Lumber.

He loved sports and attended his children’s sporting and school activities. He liked watching the Badger’s play basketball and The Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers play football.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys of 64 years of marriage; his parents, Charles and Emma Olson; brothers and their spouses, Paul (Lucille) Olson, Wesley (Beatrice) Olson; sisters in law, Eldora Larson and Helen Baker; nieces, Janet De Roche and Nancy Fennern.

He is survived by his children, Bradley (Linda) Olson and Julie (Curt) Lee; 5 grandchildren, Marie, Carter (Katie), Amy, Cassidy and Caitlyn; nephews, Dana (Robin) Olson, Dale (Susan) Olson, Dallas (Regina) Olson and Roger (Terri) Olson; along with other relatives and friends.

Private family services were held. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg.

Last Update: Dec 20, 2021 12:30 pm CST