A Memorial Celebration will be held for Clarion Olsen, 2 p.m. Sat., April 21, at Union Congregational Church, 1118 4th St., Elk River. Refreshments and reminiscing to follow in the church hall.

 

Clarion was a long time resident and great supporter of progress in Becker.  He began purchasing acreage in 1953 and planted thousands of pine trees in rows between fields.  He continued to improve the farm while he served as pastor at Union Congregational Church in Elk River.  The farm became "home base" for Clarion and Ilene after retiring from the Elk River church and then serving interims at churches in MN and Hawaii.  In final retirement, time was spent between the Becker farm and a home in Ocala, FL.  After 59 years of marriage, Ilene passed away in 2003.  Clarion then met and married Susan Mosman, from Becker, in 2004.  They continued to enjoy summers on the Becker farm.

 

Clarion loved his family, "his people" in the churches he served, his trees planted over the years, and the Becker farm. His humor, stories, kindness and compassion will be missed by all who knew him.