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Paul Lewis Olson, 82, of Albert Lea passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020.

He was born in Faribault County, the son of Goodwin and Amy (Odegaard) Olson. He attended grade school in a country one-room school on the corner of their rural property and graduated from Bricelyn High School in 1955. He joined the Air Force, but his tour of duty was cut short due to his father’s illness, when he had to return home to help operate the family farm.

On Aug. 8, 1959, Paul married Gayle Ochs. He worked for Queen Stoves and then for Streater Inc., where he drove over the road to all lower 48 states for 10 years. Wanting to stay closer to home, he took a local position driving for Red Owl, did road construction and later laid carpet for Floorcrafters. He then worked for the city of Albert Lea in a variety of departments and especially enjoyed the street department — getting up at all hours in the winter to plow snow for many years.

He loved the years they spent living on an acreage near Manchester, where he had numerous horses and other animals. He enjoyed trail riding, hunting, fishing, gardening and the companionship of his dogs. Paul and Gayle took many vacations together in northern Minnesota, to Branson, Missouri, and driving trips to see Lisa and her family in California. He was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church and the Elks Club. 

Paul is survived by his wife, Gayle; his daughters and their families: Lisa (Dallas) White of Lompoc, California, and their children Taylor, Katy, Kyle and Ryan; and Denise (Stewart) McMullan of St. Paul and their children Amy and Delaney; brothers Wayne (Jolyn) Olson of Blue Earth and Charles (Kim) Olson of Frost; sister, Lila Mae (Howard) Laugen, of Lake Mills; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Clayton Ochs of St. Paul, David (Joy) Ochs of Pharr, Texas, and Richard (Barbara) Ochs of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Due to the current health concerns and restrictions, private family services will be at Dell Cemetery in Frost.  

Condolences may be sent in care of the Olson family to Bonnerup Funeral Service, 2210 E. Main St., Albert Lea, MN.