Tod '(Theodore Alexander)' Olson

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Olson, Tod (Theodore Alexander) of Long Lake, MN and Idaho Falls, ID passed away from complications of multiple myeloma on November 12, 2016 at his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was 83. Tod was born December 20, 1932 to Theodore Alexander Olson Sr. and Grace M. Lundberg Olson, and grew up in Minneapolis, where he graduated from Washburn High School. Tod married Jacquelyn Joanne Pankratz in 1952 in Mountain Lake, MN. Tod and Jackie made their home in Long Lake, MN until 1997, when they split their time between homes in Minnesota and Idaho. After earning degrees from the Universities of Minnesota and Michigan, Tod began his career in 1959 at General Mills as a food science researcher, studying fallout from Strontium 90 and helping to develop the continuous Cheerios gun. He also worked to build their computer facility and was a pioneer in the use of computers in research. After leaving General Mills in 1975, he joined Control Data Corporation where his career continued to follow the rapid advance of computers. He served in the Peripheral Products disk drive division, leading the development of early optical data storage, and later becoming General Manager of Product Management and Planning. He completed his career by returning to General Mills as Director of Information Technology and was widely regarded as a talented manager of both technology and people. After his retirement in 1991, citizens of Long Lake encouraged Tod to run for mayor. He was elected and served two terms from 1992 to 1996. His organizational and people skills were instrumental in resolving the controversial Highway 12 routing project. From his teens, Tod (K0TO, previously W0IYP) was a passionate amateur radio operator. During his lifelong membership in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) he was founding editor of the National Contest Journal (NCJ) and served on every standing committee of the ARRL board. Earlier this year Tod was inducted into that organization's Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Minnesota Wireless Association, the Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club, and a founding member of the KØTO HF Society. Tod had a broad range of interests. He was a "maker", inventing and building many things, ordinary to exotic, in his home workshop. He was an early adopter of nearly everything, and embraced digital photography in its infancy. He was also an avid backpacker, organizing many trips with family and friends to his favorite trails in Glacier National Park. Tod took the lead in planning the 60th year reunion of his Washburn High School class, utilizing his remarkable skill at maintaining long-term relationships. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and set up a fund there to assist students in purchasing textbooks. Tod is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jacquelyn Olson of Idaho Falls; brother Dr. Robert Olson of Minneapolis; son Thor (Poldi Gerard) Olson of Minneapolis; son Dr. Eric (Rhonda) Olson of Idaho Falls; daughter Laurie (Richard) Baumgartner of Plymouth, MN; daughter Lynn (Dan) Munson of Maplewood, MN; son John (Becky) Olson of Apple Valley, MN; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for 1:00 pm December 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Rd 6, Long Lake, MN. The family would greatly appreciate if you would share a favorite memory in the online guestbook. Throughout his life, Tod was a teacher to many, of both skills and "Life Lessons." Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice of organizations that teach others.

Published on November 20, 2016