Keith Hilmer Olson

Keith Olson, age 78, of St. James, passed away at his home on Monday, November 21, 2022.

Funeral services will be 11am, Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Albion Lutheran Church, rural St. James with Rev. Robert Springer officiating.

Visitation will be Friday from 4-7pm at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Burial will follow at the Albion Cemetery.

You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com <http://www.sturmfh.com>

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

Keith Hilmer Olson was born on April 19, 1944 to Milford and Myrtle Olson.  He grew up in Godahl, attended country school, and graduated from St. James High School in 1962.  Keith attended Votech in Mankato for auto-mechanics.  Keith met his wife Darlene on a blind date.   After a short time of living in Minneapolis, Dad knew his heart and love were on the farm back home.  He married Darlene (Voges) on Oct. 7, 1967 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Courtland.  They made their first home in Madelia while Keith worked for Jose Motors as an auto-mechanic.  They later moved to Godahl where they farmed and raised their 3 children.  Keith loved the farm and was grateful to be there until his death.

Keith worked as an auto-mechanic and farmer.  He loved knowing how things worked, fixing things, and had a great sense of humor.  Dad loved his family, especially, farm-life with his grandkids and kids. He was a farmer at heart and raised beef cattle, hogs, and crops.  Keith was devoted to Albion Church and the Godahl community.  He also enjoyed time with friends - fishing and snowmobiling trips, time at the Balsam Cabin, playing cards, his coffee crew,  and eating out with the Godahl Gang.

Keith is survived by his children:  Brian (Carlie) Olson of Hanska, Gwen (Wayne) Rossbach of Hanska, and Brent (Kristin) Olson of Eden Prairie, 10 grandchildren Tanner, Cooper, Sawyer Olson:  Courtney, Jake (Aubri), Cali, Noah Rossbach: Madelyn, Jack, Parker Olson.  Siblings:  Diane Evenson of Mora, Dean (Marsha) Olson of Finlayson, and Kelvin (Regina) Olson of Lake Crystal.  Special in-laws who were also just like siblings - Roger (Ruth) Voges of Jenkins, Sharon Johnson of Nicollet, Carol Folsom of Courtland, Dale (Donna) Voges of Courtland, and Jane (Doug) Gulden of Hermantown.

He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene in 2018.  Parents, Milford and Myrtle Olson, mother and father in law,  George and Irene Voges, brother in laws - Jim Evenson, Ernie Johnson, and Bob Folsom.

While Dad missed mom immensely, he remained faithful, trusting God’s plan for his life..  He and Mom were an amazing team - serving together their family, church, and community.  They left us a great example of servanthood and so many memories we hold tight.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Albion Lutheran Church.