Harry J Olesen

Harry Olesen Jr., son of Harry Sr. and Grace (Drake) Olesen, was born April 21, 1924 at his parental home. He was the oldest of twelve children. Following his early schooling, he enlisted in the United States Army at the young age of 16. Shortly after his enlistment, his unit was shipped overseas to the European Theatre where he was active in The Battle of the Bulge. He attained the rank of Sergeant receiving three bronze stars, the good conduct medal and numerous other awards. He was a member of the local American Legion, Gurney Parker Post 357. Harry Jr. was united in marriage to Evelyn Long on March 15, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. To that union three children were born, Connie, Michael, and Nick. Harry and Evelyn settled in the farming community to raise their family. Harry was a true farmer at heart with a love and respect for the land. He and Ed Reid joined together in a farming business endeavor, Olesen and Reid, for close to fifty years. Harry had a passion for raising feeder cattle. At least once a year he would travel to Montana and other western states to buy new feeder cattle. Harry, Junior, or Jr., as he answered to all names, had another and possibly the most important passion in his life. This passion was his wife and family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and, very recently, a great great grandfather. He was always known to lend a helping hand where needed. The love and support showed to his family knew no boundaries. Harry passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. Preceding him in death are his parents and brothers Howard, Bill, Bob, and Jens Olesen. Survivors include his wife Evelyn Olesen of Coon Rapids; his children Connie (Gordon) Gymer of Coon Rapids, Michael (Glenda) Olesen of Newton and Nick Olesen and his special friend, Liz Trimble of Coon Rapids; five grandchildren: Scott (Micky) Gymer, Deanna (Joe) Greving, Jana (Jason) Koch, Shawn (Amanda) Gymer and Emily (Kirk) Hughes; three step grandchildren, Missy (Bryan) Watson, Jodi Triplett and Jason Triplett; eight great grandchildren; seven step great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He also leaves to mourn his brothers and sisters: Naomi Golay of Coon Rapids, Ramona Richardson of Coon Rapids, Earl (Jessie) Olesen of Audubon, Eunice (Howard) Herron of Coon Rapids, Claribel (Merlin) Sievers of Coon Rapids, MaryAnn (Lester) Olsen of Vail and Max (Karen) Olesen of Coon Rapids and a sister-in-law Joan Olesen Strautman of Carroll and other relatives and many friends. Officiating Reverend Ben Ramirez Music "Whispering Hope" Organ Prelude "The Old Rugged Cross" "In the Garden" Marcia Young, Vocalist Carolyn Flook, Accompanist "Go Rest High on That Mountain" Vince Gill Recording Casket Bearers Scott Gymer Shawn Gymer Jason Koch Joe Greving Kirk Hughes Jason Triplett Honoray Casket Bearers Emily Hughes Deanna Greving Jana Koch Missy Watson Jodi Triplett Dennis Olesen Harold Smouse John Grettenberg Maurice Long Liz Trimble Curt Mardesen Ronnie Paulsen George Johnston Rich Monthei Lyle Paulsen Gerald South Interment with Military Honors American Legion, Gurney Parker Post 357 Orange Township Cemetery, Coon Rapids, Iowa