Robert (Bob) Preston Olson left this earth on August 29, 2025 at Regions Hospital in the city he loved and where he was born: Saint Paul, MN. He passed peacefully surrounded by the people he loved. Bob was 75 years old.

He was born on Saturday, December 10, 1949 at Riverview Memorial Hospital in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Gilbert Olson and Lois (Anderson) Olson. He graduated from Johnson High School in 1968 and was inducted into the U.S. Army on August 25, 1969. Bob served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on March 28, 1971.

Bob worked at Nelson’s Interiors on Saint Paul’s Grand Avenue and the Regis Corporation Minneapolis where he traveled the country. He opened River Road Antiques in Stockholm, Wisconsin in 1991. He loved antiques and people. His loyal customers remembered his humor and kindness. He was not just a business owner but a storyteller sharing the history of every item. He unfortunately, due to health reasons, closed his shop in 1996.

He loved the cities and towns he at one time lived in; Saint Paul MN, Maiden Rock WI, Lake City MN, Spooner, WI where he owned a cabin on Big McKenzie Lake, and his final residence on the Yellow River in Webster, WI.

Bob will be missed by his many friends, neighbors and family. He is survived by his life partner of 51 years Tom, his sister Loreen, his brother Gus, his sister-in-law Darlene and 7 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Tommy. Bob requested no memorial ceremony to be held on his behalf. He will be honored in private celebrations of his life with friends in the places where he lived.

Last Update: Sep 03, 2025 9:22 am CDT