LaVerne Olson

Memorial Services for LaVerne “Vern” E. Olson will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, February 10, at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea. The Reverend John Holt will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by Albert Lea Veteran’s Organizations. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery at a later date. LaVerne died on Tuesday afternoon February 6, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. He was 86. He was born on July 2, 1931, in Albert Lea the son of Vernal and Arlene (Fredrickson) Olson. He grew up during the depression living a simple life. Vern served his country in the Korean War. He married Vera Kaushagen and raised 2 daughters and a son. He spent many years living on St. Olaf Lake. Later they were divorced. Vern was an over-the-road trucker driving his own truck. He had many friends and was known as “Jellybean.” Vern retired in 1993 and married Joanne Bergland. He enjoyed yardwork and putting up Christmas lights and decorations for the holidays. Vern is survived by his wife Joanne, his children Debra (Gene) Drasher of Albert Lea, Roy E. Olson of Albert Lea; grandchildren Tom (Christine) Drasher of Plymouth, MN, Daniel (Vicki) Drasher of Eagan, MN, Stacy (Vern) Florek of Monticello, MN, Laura Olson and Troy Olson of Duluth, MN and Casey Stanley of Mpls., MN, several great grandchildren; step children: Deb (Dick) Polley of Albert Lea, Stan (Audrey) Smith of Ekron, Kentucky, John (Barb) Smith of Eyota, MN; step- grandchildren: Angie Thostenson of Kasson, MN, Jessica (Tom) Mafale of Rosemount, MN, R.J. Polley of Eagan, MN, Bruce (Billie) Lewis of Eagan, MN, Tandy Lewis of Delano, MN, Willie (Natasha) Lewis of Shepherdsville, KY, Janeile Smith of Texas, Joshua Smith of Eyota, MN; many step great and great great grand children; brother LeRoy(Mary) Olson; sister Darlene (Jim) Koski; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: John and Marlene Anderson, Mary and Dwight Stevens, Sandi and Bobby Fisher, several nieces and nephews and his special pet friend Odie. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jeanette Johnson and step son Jay Bergland. LaVerne had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed by his families.