Leonard R. Olson

Leonard Robert Olson, 88, of Seneca, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023, after many years of battling various health issues.

Leonard was born on February 3, 1935, to Tilmon and Minnie Olson at their family farm near Seneca.  Leonard had many hobbies throughout his younger years, and most of them stuck with him for life. He enjoyed roller skating, playing softball, bowling, and camping. In high school he served as the state FFA Vice President. He had an incredible collection of antique tractors that he was passionate about and would compete in antique tractor pulls. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1953.

On June 2, 1962, he married the love of his life, Illene. Together they raised four children, Karen, Doug, Jeff, and Stuart. Farming was a huge part of Leonard’s life; he grew up on a farm and when he was in 11th  grade he bought what is now “Olson Acres”. Together he and Illene milked cows, raised beef cattle, and harvested endless amount of crops. Many long days were spent on the farm and Leonard will always be remembered as a hard worker who truly cared about the land. Olson Acres won many awards for land conservation.

Leonard served on a multitude of organizations within his community including, the Seneca school board, the Lion’s Club, the Production Credit Association board, Seneca Fire Department, and the Utica Township board. He was a caring and trustful man who was a Seneca school bus driver for 56 years. He touched many young lives as his time as a bus driver.

Leonard will forever be remembered by his kind heart, what a gentleman he was, his strong heartfelt handshake, and his smile that lit up the room. He was always cracking jokes and making those around him smile. Even as his health declined, he found a way to make others smile. He will be missed by all and touched many lives, his family believes there was an open seat for him at the euchre table in Heaven.

Leonard is survived by his wife Illene Olson; brother, John (Betty) Olson; sister, Janet (Harry) McKinley; daughter, Karen (Dean) Bartosh; sons: Doug (Julie) Olson, Jeff (Kathleen) Olson, and Stuart Olson; grandchildren: Jordan Conen, Morgan (Josh) Tice, Austin (Jordan) Olson, Nathan and Katie Olson; great-grandchildren, Briggs and Sterling. Leonard is survived by a plentiful amount of loving friends.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Tilmon and Minnie Olson; siblings, Elmer and Thomas Olson; mother and father in-law, Frank and ClaraBelle Fradette; and many other relatives.

A Celebration of Leonard's life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 12 p.m. at the Utica Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service with Pastor Nile Sandeen.

Leonard’s family would like to extend a thank you to the Soldiers Grove Health Services and St. Croix Hospice staff for the care that they provided to him, it is greatly appreciated. 

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is serving the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard R. Olson, please visit our floral store.