Clifford H. Olson, 91, of Merrill, formerly of Gleason, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
Cliff was born Aug. 17, 1923, in Plaza, ND, son of the late Henry and Bertha (Glaholt) Olson. He grew up on the family farm in North Dakota. He married Loretta (King) Bennish on Oct. 7, 1961. She preceded him in death on Oct. 22, 1991. He then married Jean (Pond) Prueser on May 22, 1993. She preceded him in death on Jan. 9, 2012.
Cliff was a bridge building foreman for Soo Line Railroad throughout the Midwest. He then worked for Wisconsin Central Railroad, for a total of 50 years. He was a 50 year member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance and Way Employees. Cliff was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason, for over 30 years. Cliff enjoyed music and dancing, fishing, gardening, cooking, and caring for animals.
Survivors include his two step-daughters, Leona (Carl) VanderSanden of Gleason, and Gloria (Bruce) Rahlf of Rhinelander; one step-son, Terry (Alice) Prueser of Gleason; one brother, Arnold (Yvonne) Olson of McClusky, ND; several step grandchildren; many step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews in North Dakota. Cliff was preceded in death by his wives, Loretta and Jean; three step-sons and their wives, Delmar (Sandy), Anton, Jr. ‘Babe’ (Margaret), and Victor (Donna) Bennish; his sister and brother-in-law, Helen (Roy) Grotte; his brother and sister-in-law, Rudolph ‘Rudy’ (Gloria) Olson; and one step grandson, Timothy Bennish.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will be in Town of Summit Cemetery, Town of Summitt, Langlade County. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason; Lincoln County Humane Society, Merrill; the Railroad Museum, Rhinelander; or American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association research.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com