Robert Neil Olson

Robert Neil Olson, 88, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on September 28th, 2026. Bob was born in Stillwater MN, March 17, 1937, to Lars and Mildred Olson. He lived in the Bayport/Stillwater area all his life, graduating high school in 1955. That same year he began what would become a lifelong career as one of five employees at First State Bank in Bayport; by his retirement in 1999, the bank had moved three times and the staff had grown to more than 40.

In 1960, he met his future wife, Mary, when she moved to Bayport as the Parish Worker at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and both were members of the church choir. Word has it that Bob picked Mary up on the "streets of Bayport." They married October 5th, 1963 in Kirkland IL and were blessed with three children - twin daughters and a son.

Bob's enjoyment was keeping up with his children's and grandchildren's activities, outdoing the neighbors with his Holiday home decorating, visiting with friends, eating out at local restaurants, and reading history and biographies before losing his sight. Being a true-blue Minnesotan, he was a lifelong fan of Twins baseball. And Bob always enjoyed his coffee and muffin before breakfast while checking the morning news.

Bob was an active member of his community, serving at Bethlehem as a council member and treasurer, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and Men's Group and Bible Study participant. Following his retirement, he enjoyed counting Sunday offerings on Monday morning. He also coached 5th-6th grade football in Bayport for many years.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by Mary, his wife of 62 years (one week short of 63), and their children, Amy (Scott) MacKenzie, Ann (Terry) Runk, and Daniel (Lori). He is survived by grandchildren Alex (Amy) Runk, Eric Runk, Jamie Runk; Alison (Tom) Bang and Erin MacKenzie; Jacob, Seth, and Ruth Olson; Great-grandchildren Colby and Lilia Bang; Brother Gary; Sisters-in-law Carolyn Montgomery and Julia (Dave) Edmundson; Helen Olson; Brother-in-law Leonard (Sue) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lars and Mildred (Rydeen) Olson, brother Duane Olson, and sister-in-law Margaret Olson.

There will be a celebration of Bob's life on Sunday, October 11th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bayport, 2:00 pm with visitation one hour before. Memorials are requested for Bethlehem Lutheran Church or directly to the family.