Vernon Wayne Olson

Vernon W. Olson, 92, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls.

Vernon was born March 28, 1934, to Magnus 'Mox' and Louise (Nelson) Olson in Detroit Lakes, MN. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1952. In his senior year he was named MVP of the Laker football, basketball and baseball teams. He spent part of a year at Moorhead State where he played football, but left school after sustaining an injury that ended his college football career.

On July 2, 1954, Vernon married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart, JoAnne Caye in Detroit Lakes. Vernon worked with Northwestern Bell Telephone at the time of their marriage and spent his entire working career in the telephone industry as Bell transitioned to A T & T, US West, Qwest and Lumen, retiring in 1986.

Son, Craig, entered the world in 1955 and son, Jim, followed in 1956. The young family settled in Brainerd, MN in 1959 and lived there until 1970, when Vernon was transferred to Detroit Lakes. With the telephone company he worked as a lineman, an installer and an engineer.

Vernon and Jo moved to Hemet, California, and Parachute, Colorado in their early retirement years, before heading back to Minnesota, spending time in Brainerd before moving to Fergus Falls in 2002. Vern and Jo enjoyed traveling through their retirement years with many trips to their favorite spot, Lake Tahoe, and numerous visits to Las Vegas. They also treasured their trips to see the Virginia Olsons. Encouraged by son, Jim and his wife, Susan, who owned and operated Olson Photography in Virginia for over 30 years, Vernon, JoAnne and son, Craig, worked together in a sports photography business, SportShots, for 20 years.

Vern and Jo enjoyed their apartment community at River Bluff for 20 years, before moving to Mill Street Residence. Following JoAnne's death in May of 2022, Vernon moved to Stetson Village apartments in 2023 where he lived for one year. He moved into Pioneer Care in February of 2024, where he received excellent care from the staff in the Deerwood wing. He entered hospice care under Vivie Home Health ten days before his death. The family appreciates the compassionate care provided by Vivie.

Preceding him in death, were his wife, JoAnne, his parents, Magnus (Mox) and Louise Olson, son Jim and daughter-in-law Susan Olson, grandson, Anthony Olson, sisters, LaVerne (Vince) Lodin, Dorothy (Hank) Langager, Vivian (John) Wright, and Eunice (Odis) LeGrand, and brothers, Larry (Katherine) Olson and Maurice (Shirley 'Sis') Olson.

Vernon is survived by his son, Craig (Sue) Olson; grandchildren Dan (Mary) Olson, Ben (Mariama) Olson, John (Teri) Olson, Scott Olson, and Natalie (Evan) Ruggiero; great-grandchildren, Alex Olson, Will Olson, Del Olson, Ondine Olson, Magnus Olson, Roman Ruggiero, Rachel Ruggiero, and Ansley Ruggiero, and several nieces and nephews, who were all very dear to him.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, November 10 from 10:30am to 11:30am at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, followed by a private family prayer service. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Detroit Lakes. Pastor Mark Johnson will officiate.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com