Ernest Albin Olson

MALTA-Ernest Albin Olson 90, passed away during the early morning sunrise November 6, 2014 at the Phillips County Hospital.

The family will received friends on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Kirkwood Funeral Home in Malta. Funeral services were on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Interment with military honors will be in the Malta Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Ernest was born August 4, 1924 to Edward L Olson and Orilla (Stearns) Olson at Forks, MT near Stinky Creek by Whitewater.

He married the love of his life Lillian Alice Knuth on September 14, 1945. Ernest then left for a year in Japan at the end of World War II. He was discharged from the Army November of 1946.

He spent time working in the oil fields and later farmed and ranched in the Strater Community until 1970. He built a new home in 1973 five miles east of Malta. After selling the ranch, Ernie worked at the Equity Co-op for 17 years. He also ran the projectors at the Villa Theater for many years. He was a carpenter and liked helping his sons with projects whether it be branding or anything with Cattle. In his retirement he enjoyed building bird houses and made several of them.

Ernest was a 4-H leader for many years and in his earlier years was an avid bowler and enjoyed dancing. He also liked throwing horseshoes. His favorite past time was fishing, playing cards with his family and friends at the senior citizen center. He had an uncanny ability to out fish and win at card games.

Ernest raised six children of whom he was very proud of: Paulette (Rick) Spencer, Angelia (Mike) Robards, Larry (Eva) Olson, Darrell (Vicki) Olson, Debra (Keith) Pankratz, and Pat (Rose Ann) Olson.

He is survived by his wife and six children, 19 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; One sibling Mary Eklund of Saco, Mt. sister in law Jean Olson, brother in law Cliff Hack, numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were, his parents, siblings Irene Hack, Donald Olson, Norma and (Clarence) Kiern, brother in law Buddy Eklund and grandson Larry E. Rowe.