Rudy Olson, age 84 of Underwood, ND died Sunday, January 10, 2010 at his home.

Funeral Services: 1:00 PM Friday, Jan. 15, 2010;
Augustana Lutheran Church – Underwood;
Pastor Joel Sherer, officiating

Interment: Underwood Cemetery
**Military Rites provided by the American Legion Post 133 of Turtle Lake

Visitation: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday at Goetz Funeral Home in Underwood;
Friday, one hour prior to time of service at the church.

Rudolph Christian Olson was born Aug 3, 1925 in Plaza, ND to Henry and Bertha (Glaholt) Olson. He spent his early years in rural Plaza and attended school until the 9th grade. Rudy helped his father and numerous others with their farming operation.

Rudy joined the U.S. Army in March 1946 as a medic. He was honorably discharged in April 1947. He was very proud of his country and status as a World War II veteran.

On November 22, 1947, Rudy was united in marriage to Gloria Jeanette Hauge in Minot ND. The couple lived in Plaza where Rudy was employed by the Soo Line Railroad. While in Plaza, the first three children were born, Gayle, Rodney, and Pamela. In 1958, Rudy was transferred to Max ND where his son Larry was born. Rudy was again transferred in 1972 to Underwood ND where he has lived for the past 37 years. He retired from the Soo Line in 1986 after 39 years of employment.

Rudy was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, the V.F.W. Post 6940 of Underwood, and a Life Member of The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, bingo and spending time with family and friends. His heart had no limits and no bounds, he would give you the shirt off his back even if it was the last one he owned. Rudy had a strong belief in God and was true to his faith and principles. He instilled these qualities in all four of his children. They will all tell you the first complete sentence out of their mouth was "It's the principle of the matter".

Above all, everyone knew that nobody could give hugs like grandpa.

He is survived by one daughter, Pam Olson of Underwood; two sons, Rodney of Bismarck, & Larry of Fargo; nine grandchildren & seven great grandchildren; one sister, Helen Grotte of Plaza; two brothers, Clifford (Jean) Olson of Gleason WI, & Arnold (Yvonne) Olson of Plaza; aunts, Crystal Olson of Plaza, & Gladys Peterson of Minot; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria (in Oct 2009); daughter, Gayle (in Dec 2009); brother-in-law, Roy Grotte; sister-in-law, Loretta Olson; one nephew, and one niece.