Rev. Clarion Harvey Olsen

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Olsen, Rev. Clarion Harvey (Dec. 29, 1920 Sept. 23, 2017) Rev. Clarion Harvey Olsen, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 23, 2017 in Becker, MN. He was born Dec. 29, 1920 in Paynes- ville, MN, the son of Theodore and Olena (Seeland) Olsen. Clarion graduated in 1944 from Trinity Seminary in Mpls., and married Ilene Egland on May 29, 1944. For 50 years Clarion, aided by Ilene, served Congregational Churches in Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Hawaii. Clarion's insightful ministry and Ilene's angelic voice were greatly appreciated wherever they served. In 1953 Clarion purchased a farm in Becker, MN, where he planted many rows of pine trees and diverse crops. Clarion continued his church work while developing the farm for summer vacations and it became the family home. In retirement Clarion and Ilene divided their time between the farm in Becker and a home in Ocala, FL. Clarion continued his interest in theology by leading church classes and speaking at ecumenical events. After 59 years of marriage, lovely Ilene passed away Sept. 29, 2003. Clarion then met Susan Mosman, who shared his connection to Norway and the Norwegian language. Susan and Clarion were married on Oct. 17, 2004. They enjoyed travel to Norway and visiting the five Hawaiian churches Clarion had served as an interim pastor. Clarion was predeceased by his parents, brothers Howard and Willard Olsen, sister Muriel Anderson, wife Ilene Olsen and son Ted Olsen. He is survived by his wife Susan Olsen, brother Chester Olsen, daughter Cathy Nardo (David), son Scott Olsen (Pam), daughter Nancy Beech; Grandchildren Joshua Nardo, Kathryn Kasprzak, Andrew Nardo, Seth Beech, Isis Beech, Christopher Olsen, and Victor Newsome; and 15 great-grandchildren. Clarion's humor, stories, kindness and compassion will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Celebration is planned for Clarion at 2:00 PM on April 21, 2018, at The Union Congregational Church, Elk River, MN. Memorial donations may be made to The Union Congregational Church, 1118 4th St., Elk River, MN, 55330. For more information please contact us at rev.cholsen@gmail.com cremationsocietyofmn.com

Published on October 22, 2017