Rev. Clarion Harvey Olsen, 96, passed away peacefully at home Sept. 23 in Becker. He was born Dec. 29, 1920 in Paynesville, the son of Theodore and Olena (Seeland) Olsen. He grew up with three brothers and one sister on the family farm near Paynesville.
Clarion graduated in 1944 from Trinity Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While attending Trinity, Clarion met Ilene Egland. They were married May 29, 1944 at Union Congregational Church in St. Louis Park. For 50 years Clarion, aided by Ilene, served Congregational Churches in Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Hawaii, including the United Congregational Church in Elk River, Minnesota from 1959 to 1971. Clarion’s insightful ministry and Ilene’s angelic voice were greatly appreciated wherever they served.
In 1953 Clarion purchased a farm in Becker, Minnesota, where he planted many rows of pine trees and harvested diverse crops. Clarion continued his church work while developing the farm for summer vacations and eventually it became the family home.
In retirement Clarion and Ilene divided their time between the farm in Becker and a home in Ocala, Florida. Clarion continued his interest in theology, leading church classes and speaking on community ecumenical occasions.
After 59 years of marriage, lovely and vivacious Ilene passed away Sept. 29, 2003.
Clarion later met Susan Mosman. They had many common interests including a strong 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. Susan was a loving wife and caregiver during their last years together.
Clarion is predeceased by his parents, brothers Howard and Willard Olsen, sister Muriel Anderson, wife Ilene Olsen and son Ted Olsen. Clarion 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; along with 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 p.m., April 21, 2018, at The Union Congregation Church, Elk River. Memorial donations may be made to The Union Congregational Church, Rev. Clarion Olsen Memorial Fund, 1118 4th St., Elk River. For more information please contact us at rev.cholsen@gmail.com.
Obituary can be viewed at www.cremationsocietyofmn.com/obituaries/
