Merlin L Olson

Merlin L. Olson, 82, of Sioux City, passed away Friday June 15, 2012 at a local care facility. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to meyerbroschapels.com. Merlin was born the son of John and Wilamena (Henderson) Olson on March 21, 1930 in Moorhead, Iowa. He married Bonnie L. Smith on January 27, 1950. Merlin honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. He worked at many dealerships and was a mechanic specializing in transmissions. In his younger years Merlin enjoyed helping to build and race dragsters. He was an avid gardener and his specialties included flowers and tomatoes. Merlin and Bonnie loved to travel. When Merlin was able to relax and retire from Sioux City Ford he always had a big smile on his face. He was a good father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by his children and grandchildren. Merlin is survived by his children, Steve, Doug, and Judy Olson of Sioux City and Rich of Brookings, South Dakota; grandchildren, David Olson of Castle Rock, Colorado and Jimmie and Matt Olson of Sioux City; great-grandchildren, Reece and Livie Olson of Castle Rock, Colorado; Brothers, Dale, Vern, and Jim Olson of Sioux City and Ron Olson of LeMars. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; one grandson, Michael; one sister, Iona Wood; and one brother, Jerry Olson.