Lester Olsen

Lester Olsen was born July 21, 1925 in Audubon, Iowa, the son of Jens and Laura (Otzen) Olsen. He passed away August 5, 2015 in Carroll, Iowa at the age of 90 years. Lester was baptized in the Lutheran faith in Audubon County.
After attending rural school near Audubon through the 8th grade, Lester worked for other farmers. He joined the Army during World War II, serving as an auto-mechanic, and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. Lester was honorably discharged on January 12, 1947. He returned home and worked for other farmers and started farming on his own in 1950 through 1987. Lester was united in marriage to Mary Ann Patrick at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa on June 19, 1993. Lester was a hail adjuster for Farmers Mutual Insurance for 30 years and also was an insurance agent with Landmands National Bank, Audubon. Lester and his wife owned and operated Mary Ann's Lounge in Vail after their marriage.
Lester was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and City Council, Vail. He was a life-time member of Dale Christensen Post No. 4119 and was a member of American Legion Post No. 65, Vail.
Lester loved to socialize and be around others, especially his family and friends. He also had an excellent work ethic and taught his children the discipline of hard work. When he was not working, he enjoyed being outdoors. Lester also liked to spend days fishing. Taking road trips to casinos was a favorite pastime for Lester and Mary Ann. He enjoyed keeping up on current events and loved to discuss the changes he had experienced with technology through the use of computers and Facebook.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Reginald; two brothers, Earl and his wife Isabelle and Glen; and one great-grandchild, Kate. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; four children: Frank and his wife, Carol; Patty and her husband, Gary; Steve and his wife, Sherri; and Mary and her husband, Tom; five step-children: Debbie and her husband, Mike; Penny; and Ronald and his wife Teresa; Mark and his wife, Johnnie: Tim and his wife, Jamie; ten grandchildren: Kristie and her husband Troy, Tara and her husband Adam, Heather and her husband Andy, Chris and his wife Brandi, Steph, Dustin and his partner Billie, Rachel, Cody, Megan and her husband Dustin, and Matt and his wife Amy; eleven great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren: Chase, Shannon, Chad, Nancy, Ashley, Chris, Heather, and Tucker; four step-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Lowene; many other relatives and friends.