Harold Vern Olson

MALTA — Harold Vern Olson, 89, a Navy Korean War Veteran and retired State Highway Maintenance passed away at the Hi-Line Retirement Center on July 12, 2018.

The family received friends Monday, July 16 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 17, 2018, 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.

Harold was born on April 2, 1929, on the family homestead South of Saco, Mont., to Thorolf “Ted” and Emma (Halverson) Olson. He was the youngest of seven children. He attended school and graduated from Malta High School in 1947. After a few years working as a ranch hand for his brother-in-law, Everett Boucher in Hinsdale, Mont., he enlisted in the Navy. He served during the Korean War.

He returned and married Jacquiline Jean Van Meter on December 18, 1954, in Glasgow, Mont. Three daughters were born to them, Halle, Verna, and Hope.

He worked for Harold Lieb at the Edwards and McLellans Store as one of the first television repairmen in the area for a few years. He also worked as a school janitor and finally as a Forman of the Phillips County District of the Montana State Highway Maintenance Crew, retiring in 1987. During his retirement, he enjoyed making wooden saddle clocks fly traps and picture frames.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie Olson of Malta; daughters Halle (Rob) Williamson, Verna Henry and Hope (Bill) Anderson all of Phillips County; grandchildren, John (Georgia), Isaac (Kaylee) Williamson both of Phillips County, Eric (Zana) Wright of Billings, Mont., Leona Wright of Box Elder, Mont., and Beth Anderson of Havre, Mont .; great-grandchildren, Ella Messerly, Hennessey, Bellemay and Zoe Williamson all of Phillips County; Zaria and Zander Wright of Billings, Mont. Local living relatives include nieces and grand nieces, Bonny Millar, Della Brookie, Zoeann Humphreys and her daughter, Bobby Sue, Sandy Kovack and Julie Tatafu.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and sisters, nephew Gary Olson of Saco, Mont., and son-in-law Allen Henry of Malta.