Rodger D Olson

Rodger D. Olson, 92, of Two Harbors, died Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Aspirus-St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born March 22, 1933, to Rudolph and Irene (Hanson) Olson in Northwood, North Dakota, Rodger grew up there and excelled as a three-sport athlete. Shortly after high school he married his high school sweetheart, Adeline. In February they celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Rodger graduated from Mayville State Teacher’s College in 1955 with a degree in teaching. He began his career at Leeds High School in Leeds, North Dakota, where he taught business, biology, and driver’s education. After seven years he earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. In 1962 he moved his family to Two Harbors to serve as guidance counselor at Two Harbors High School, a role he held with deep dedication until his retirement in 1993. He also continued teaching driver’s education and often said he loved every part of his work.

Rodger cherished time with his family. He and Adeline enjoyed camping in the summers and snowmobiling in the winters with other couples and their children, creating many lasting memories. An avid outdoorsman, he was passionate about hunting and fishing, especially deer hunting, which he shared with his sons, grandson, and friends well into his 91st year. For 26 winters he curled before he and Adeline became snowbirds, spending 16 seasons in the Rio Grande Valley in Donna, Texas, where they formed many close friendships and remained active in their church in Weslaco.

A faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors since 1962, Rodger’s Christian faith was central to his life. In his final months he often expressed that he was ready to go home and be with Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Rodney; sisters, Irma and Delphine; great-granddaughter, Courtney Ann Aho; and son-in-law, Tom Grussendorf.

Rodger is survived by his wife of 72 years, Adeline; children Sandra (John) Wilson, Connie (Cole) Nelson, Daryl (Nancy) Olson, Sheila (David) Philipps, and David (Debra) Olson; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren, with a 19th on the way.