Ellsworth 'Sam' M. Olson, 84, of Owatonna, died Monday, September 21, 2009 at Owatonna Hospital. Sam was born June 5, 1925 in Minneapolis, Minnesota the son of Narvin and Gunda (Rugroden) Olson. He lived with his family in Hartland and in 1933 moved to Ellendale where he was raised and attended school graduating from Ellendale High School in 1943. Following school he helped on area farms and in May of 1945 he was drafted into the United States Army and served during WWII. He served in occupied Japan and received his honorable discharge in December 1946. Following his service he returned to Ellendale where he worked at the Moland Creamery. He was united in marriage to Lillian McGrath on August 3, 1948 at Associated Church in Owatonna. They moved to Albert Lea where he worked at Wilson. They then moved to Owatonna where he worked at Hi-Line Hatchery and at the National Guard Armory. Lillian died May 9, 1995. He continued working at the American Legion in Owatonna. Sam was very patriotic and loved his country. In May 2009 he joined fellow veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Vikings and Twins. He also enjoyed playing pool and watching local softball games. He was a member of the Steele County Military Funeral Unit for almost 40 years, a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the AM Vets and Past Commander of the American Legion and VFW. He also served as the Steele County Commander going to state and national conventions. He is survived by daughter, Linda Selig of Owatonna; son, David (and Trudi) Olson of Owatonna; three sisters, Bernice Patterson of Rochester; Lorraine (and John) Lent of Owatonna; Nadine (and Dale) Strenge of Geneva. He is also survived by four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian, and his parents. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 23 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to service in the church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24, at 1:00 PM at The Associated Church with Dr. Ronald D. Wilson officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation: 09/23/2009 16:00 09/23/2009 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 09/24/2009 13:00