Gordon Olson, 92

Gordon Earl Olson, 92, of Baudette, Minnesota, passed away on August 24, 2024, at LakeWood Care Center in Baudette.

Gordy was born on May 12, 1932, in Baudette, MN, to Olaf and Alice (Lindstrom) Olson.  He grew up with four siblings on their farm in Pitt, MN.  In 1954, he was discharged from the Army after serving for two years in Korea and was transferred to the Army Reserves to complete eight years of service.  He was awarded two Bronze Service Stars as well as other commendations.

In 1957, he married his beautiful bride, Lynnette Brazie, from Baudette.  They were married for 63 years until her passing in March 2020.  Living in the Twin Cities, they eventually built their family home in Anoka, MN, where they lived for many years.  They had four children, Marti (Olson) Carlson; Troy, Brendan and Caroline Olson. 

Gordy worked in the asphalt business for many years.  After a time, he started his own business, Elk River Blacktop, in Elk River, MN.  Later, he got the itch for flying, obtained his private pilot’s license, and purchased an airplane.  In the 70’s, he left the asphalt business to build and operate Aerotech at the Anoka County Airport. He became a Grumman aircraft dealer, as well as offering mechanics and flight lessons.  He attended many air shows and fly-in breakfasts and made day trips from Anoka to Baudette to visit family.  On one occasion, Gordy and Lynne took a trip to Savanna, Georgia, in one of his small aircraft.

In 1983, Gordy and Lynne sold their family home and motored to Anchorage, AK, along with their two youngest children, in anticipation of the arrival of their granddaughter, Krysta, to Marti and Wayne Carlson.  While living in Anchorage and Wasilla, they enjoyed all that Alaska offered.  After 18 months, they returned to Minnesota and made their home in Pitt. 

In 2015, Gordy moved to live at Lakewood Care Center until his passing.  He enjoyed all the outings and activities the care center offered.  He was always a gardener and continued that joy by planting several raised beds in the care center courtyard. Onions were his specialty, growing 300 to 400 annually.  You could always find Gordy in the courtyard in nice weather.  He also loved to read and always had a book in hand.  His favorites were stories of adventure and war times.  He was a historian, up on all the world news, and loved geography.  He was good at giving people a hard time with a smile.  He never lost his wit. His family is grateful for the respect and care he received at LakeWood.  There, he made many friends over the years, and he had quite a social life, including many visitors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynne; parents, Olaf and Alice; and sister, Agnes Padelio. He is survived by his children Marti (Wayne) Carlson, Troy, Brendan, and Caroline; granddaughter Krysta (Brayton) Johnson; great-grandchildren Zane and Alivia; brother Randy Olson; sisters Arlene Choate and Eloise Maltias; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gordy loved his family and helped many in need in his younger years. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Family and friends will celebrate Gordy's life at a later date.