R. Thomas Olson
R. Thomas Olson D.D.S. of Plymouth, Minnesota, age 66, died peacefully
at home on Saturday July 24th, with his wife Linda and daughter Erika
at his side, after suffering a long and difficult illness.
He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore A. Olson, Ph.D.
Survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 22 years, Linda (Seaman);
his children, Erika and Tristan Olson; his step - children, David Fairbairn
(Erika) and Josie Reichwald (Paul); three grandchildren; mother, Grace
Olson; brothers, Tod Olson (Jackie) and Robert Olson M.D. (Karen), and
many nieces and nephews.
Tom was born and grew up in South Minneapolis, and loved to play along
the Minnehaha River and ride his bike to swim in Lake Nokomis. He enjoyed
playing pick-up hockey and baseball, and was a wonderful skater. He attended
Washburn High School graduating in 1960. He served in the Marine Reserve
from 1960 to 1964. He graduated from Augsburg College with a double major
in history and biology and a minor in chemistry. He taught high school
chemistry and biology in western Minnesota and Minneapolis for 3 years.
He then graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1971.
He practiced dentistry in Bismarck, N.D. for 16 years and was president
of the North Dakota Dental Association for 2 years. He then practiced
dentistry for another 15 years in Hamel and Plymouth, Minnesota. Tom was
enthusiastic about many things. He flew a Cessna 172 airplane for several
years including two wonderful flights to Alaska from Bismarck. He had
a great love of history and art and classical music. He knew the life
histories and personal facts about politicians, artists and composers.
He could tell you just about anything that was happening in any part of
the world politically and culturally for any year dating back to the B.C.s.
You would have thought he had lived during those times in many countries.
Later in life he took up bike riding on bike trails with all the enthusiasm
which he had for his other life interests. He had a great curiosity to
learn as much as he could about any topic. He enjoyed snorkeling and birdwatching
and knew all the names of the tropical fish and various bird species.
He also created wonderful flower gardens. Tom was passionate about sharing
his vast knowledge with his children and stepchildren and always had books
to share with everyone he met. He enjoyed several trips to Europe including
Moscow, Rome, Vienna and Paris. He knew the history of the areas and made
it come alive for anyone traveling with him. He will be greatly missed
by his family and many friends.
Memorials may be directed to donor's choice. The funeral will be held
at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Serley Chapel at 2 PM Wednesday, July
28th, 5025 Knox Ave S., Minneapolis, Minnesota. Followed by a social gathering
in the church.
Washburn-McReavy 952-938-9020
Published in the Star Tribune from 7/26/2004 - 7/27/2004.
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