George M. Olson

George M. Olson, 92, of Axtell, KS, died Saturday, September 27, 2014 at his home. Visitation was Wednesday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell, KS. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 2, at the Salem Lutheran Church southwest of Axtell. Pastor Matthew Durance officiated. Shirley Polson played the organ while the congregation sang “This Is My Father’s World”, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” and “Now Let Your Servant Depart in Peace”. The pallbearers were Leon Haug, Todd Surdez, Wendell Vandorn, Steve Argo, Terry Broxterman and Lester Palm. Burial was in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery. George was born February 11, 1922 at near Vermillion, KS, son of Albin and Hilvie (Johnson) Olson. In 1939, he graduated from Vermillion High School. During WWII he served with the Merchant Marines. George farmed and owned Olson Construction doing soil conservation work. He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church and actively served on the church council and cemetery board. He was a member of the Vermillion American Legion, Lutheran Brotherhood, Vermillion TOPS and served on the Lincoln Township Board. George enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and area high school sports. He also enjoyed tinkering around the farm, attending auctions, collecting old wrenches, Lutefisk dinners, coon hunting and reading periodicals. George was blessed with a fantastic memory and enjoyed sharing stories from the past with anyone who asked. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn, on August 15, 2008; daughter, Ann Marie Olson on June 2, 2013; brothers, Julius Olson, Harold Olson, Stanley Olson and Edward Olson; and sisters, Ruth Olson, Esther Johnson, Ruby Johnson and Hilvie Mae Gross. Survivors include his daughter, Alice (Terry) Roepke, Waterville; son, Allen (Kelly) Olson, Wichita, KS; three grandchildren, five step grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Friends of Vermillion and contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George M. Olson, please visit our flower store.