Earl Olsen

Earl Olsen, the son of Jens and Laura Otzen Olsen, was born October 14, 1919, at his parents home near Elk Horn, Iowa and died April 29, 2011, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 6 months, and 15 days.
Earl was baptized at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn, Iowa and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. He attended rural schools Hamlin #1, Sharon #1, and then graduated from eighth grade from Sharon #3 in 1934. Earl then worked for area farmers for several years. He was employed as a truck driver for LindholmOil Companyand also drove a school bus for the Audubon Community Schools. On April 22, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Coast Guard. During his tour of duty he served as a ships cook on several different naval ships. He was honorably discharged on February 18, 1946, and returned to Audubon where he worked for the Audubon Hatchery. He farmed with his brother Glen from 1947 to 1949. Earl then was employed at the Rasmussen Hatchery in Audubon.
On June 14, 1949, he was united in marriage to Isabelle Lowene McFadden at a church in Des Moines, Iowa. One son Delvan was born to this union. Earl worked for the Hatchery until 1951 then farmed east of Audubon. In 1973 they purchased a farm northeast of Audubon. They operated a grain and livestock farm for many years. Isabelle died March 7, 2007. Earl lived on the farm until he moved to the Friendship Home in Audubon in September of 2007.
Earl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. He was a member of Dale Christensen Post No. 4119, V.F.W. and Audubon Post No. 120, American Legion. He belonged to the Farm Bureau and was on the resident council at the Friendship Home. He was an avid bowler and won many tournaments. Earl loved farming and knew the real meaning of being a good neighbor.
Earl was preceded in death in addition to his wife Isabelle by his parents; his brother-in-law Russell Rubel; and his parents-in-law Forrest and wife Lillian McFadden.
Survivors include his son Delvan Olsen of Audubon, Iowa; his brothers Glen and wife Lowene Christensen of Audubon; Lester and wife Mary Ann Olsen of Vail, Iowa; his sisters-in-law Wilma Rubel and Ruth Olsen both of Audubon; his nieces and nephews Roger Rubel of Audubon, Darrell and wife Paula Rubel of Hailey, Idaho, Ron and wife Nancy Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska, Bruce Christensen and Deb Layland both of Audubon, Susan and husband Jim Weitl of Carroll, Iowa, Frank and wife Carol Olsen and Patty and husband Gary Umland all of Audubon, Steve and wife Sherri Olsen of Ashland, Nebraska, Mary and husband Tom Grote of Audubon; other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, IA.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Monday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Jack DePond on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 10:30 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, IA.