Perry Virden Olson, 72, of Long Prairie, passed away March 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a long and tough battle with COPD. A Celebration of Life was held March 9 at Iten Funeral Home in Browerville.
Perry Virden Olson was born Nov. 28, 1951, to Virden and Mary Mae (Minette) Olson in Sauk Centre. During high school, he was a determined wrestler which led him to winning a state championship. He owned a purple Dodge Demon and was not afraid to boast about it while talking about his youth.
Perry graduated from Sauk Centre High School and began working in construction. He married Jenni Severson, and they were blessed with three daughters: Heidi, Rondi and Kimberly. Later in life, he married Dawn Joarnt and was blessed with a fourth daughter, Maranda. His daughters have fond memories of their dad singing and dancing. When they were young girls, he would scoop them up and twirl them around, and as adults, he would still lovingly pull them on the dance floor. He was a great example of how to work hard and stay active in life.
Perry enjoyed playing pool, fishing, bird watching, bowling, watching baseball, riding motorcycles and playing cards with his family. He found any and every reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Perry could be seen driving his side-by-side around town or spending time with friends at Thunderlodge and the Legion. He was full of shenanigans and energy. Even after being placed on hospice, he still mowed lawns and did everything he could to stay active. Perry could be described as the “Energizer Bunny.” He was honest, smart, competitive, funny, a hard worker and a fast learner, and he had a big heart. He was also on the frugal side, unless it came to his grandkids, either paying them for chores or bribing them in baseball to get big hits and homeruns. Even after his daughters had children of their own, he still made them feel thought of and loved by giving them roses and sending cards and texts for every occasion. He will be dearly missed.
Perry is survived by his daughters Heidi (Rickey Misco) Och, Rondi (Dan) Kamphenkel, Kimberly (Jason) Reimer and Maranda (Harry) Henley; grandchildren Cory Olson, Jenna Och, Jarrid and Cullen Kamphenkel, Whitney, MaCoy and Clayton Reimer and Apollo and Alicia Henley; siblings Sandy (Larry) Thom, Linda (Wayne) Thom, Kim (Sherry) Olson, Lance (Beth Olmscheid) Olson, Bonnie (John) Nagel, Lonney (Charley) Olson, Shelly Rust, Patrice Koshiol, Marty (Heather) Olson and Shannon Olson. Perry was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Jody and Todd Olson.
Arrangements are with Iten Funeral Home.
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