Ole Nikolai Olson

Ole was born on the farm at Sharon and spent his boyhood there. 1900census for Steele County, Westfield Township notes that he is
6 years old. He attended Westfield School located three miles from thefarm. He is in the second row of the class picture taken in 1905
and listed as a pupil for the school year October 15, 1906 to May 17,1907. He was confirmed at Hoff Lutheran Church in 1909.
Ole was inducted in the U. S. Army at Sherbrooke, North Dakota on June25, 1918. His occupation was listed as electrician. He was sent to CampDodge Iowa and served in the 163rd Depot Brigrade to July 30, 1918;Company D 349th Infrantry to discharge. He was overseas from August 9,1918 to May 30, 1919. Engagement: Defensive Sector: Center [Alsace].He was discharged at Camp Dodge, Iowa on June 11, 1919 as Private.[Official Roster, North Dakota] Family records state Ole served withthe American Expeditionary Forces 88th Division June 5, 1917 Camp Upton,New York. He was transported August 9, 1917 to August 16, 1917 - SouthHampton, England to Le Havre, France August 19,1917 and Semew, FranceAugust 21, 1917. [I do not know who gave this information.] Ole'sservice in World War I has been entered in the Veterans History Projectof the Library of Congress in 2007. The information was provided to theDepartment of California, American Legion Auxiliary by Arline Kenney whoreceived an award for the project. Ole's World War I uniform has beenworn by Ross Meland in Northwood, North Dakota Veterans Day parades. A1921 silk poppy was found in the pocket of the uniform.
Ole was an auto mechanic for many years at W.W. Wallwork, Moorhead, MN.He rode a motorcycle and at one time owned a Ford coupe with a rumbleseat. A ride in that car was a very special treat when our special unclecame to visit. He worked as a machinist at Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis,Minnesota until his retirement. He was also an inventor of many things.His battery tags for identifying batteries at the mechanical shop wereused for many years. In 1979 the "American Rifleman" magazine ran a testrun on his revolving loading clips that appeared in the July issue. Thisresulted in many orders so he sold the patent and manufacturing equipmentin August. The revolver reloaders and carriers were sold by J. M.Bucheimer Co., Frederick, Maryland. When plastic became available, Oledesigned and made wonderful drain cleaners with wire and plastichandles. He also made miniature drill bit salt and pepper shakers.[These items are displayed in an antique wall cabinet in my home - A. K.] He collected coins, phonograhs, rocks, and enjoyed prospecting foruranium and gold on many trips to Arizona and other locations.
Ole married Hilda S. Veedahl Danielson in August 1943 and they lived inSt. Louis Park, Minnesota for many years. He died of Parkinsons diseaseat age 92 years. Hilda wrote, "he was always patient and cheerful eventhough he had no strength left and it was so hard for him to get round."He is buried in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"Our Uncle Ole truly enjoyed life and was vitally interested in all ofGod's mysteries of nature. There was never a dull moment whenUncle Ole was near. He would show you his 'finds' such as agates, coins,metals and we were immersed in listening to his talented mindspeak of his latest inventions. What a wonderful gift he was given forexplaining and solving problems. We always marveled at hisability and wonderful humor. Last May on his 92nd birthday he played hisold Edison Cylinder phonograph and sang for us. He was anexample to all of us for learning to appreciate life with the enjoymentof a child at each new discovery. Ole loved us as childrenand we got his undivided attention when near him. We were blessed tohave Ole as our Uncle." Sylvia Rydland Triden at Ole'sfuneral service.
A special memory of Ole's Uncle kindness was when he entertained Murieland me by taking us to the airport to watch airplanes land andtake off for a whole evening. We were attending a Music Contest inMoorhead, MN and were allowed to spend this special time with him.[Arline Kenney]