Harald H. Olsson

Harald H. Olsson passed away Jan. 25, 2014 at St Joseph Hospital in Polson.  Harald was born Dec. 4, 1921 in Hall, Mont. to Harald E. and Vida (Hogan) Olsson, was raised in Ronan, but spent his summers at his grandmother’s ranch at Hall.  Upon graduation from high school, he moved to Hall to work with his grandmother and eventually purchased the ranch.

Harald (better known as Swede in the Lower Willow Creek Valley) married Flora Jean Morse March 17, 1949 and they enjoyed their ranch until retiring in 1972 and moved to Flathead  Lake.  Harald was active in the community, serving on the school board, as a 4-H Leader and as secretary of the Willow Creek Irrigation Project.  He was also active in the Masonic Fraternity – Past Master of Ruby Lodge # 36 - and the Shrine and assisted with the DeMolay and Rainbow chapters.

Harald and Flora had two children, Deanna Joyce Opp and Martin M. Olsson and a foster child Charles McLaughlin and their home was a revolving door for many other children who enjoyed the ranch with the family.

Harald was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Donald, Jack and Wayne, an infant sister Vida, a granddaughter Laura Lea, son-in-law Larry Opp and foster son Charles McLaughlin.

Harald is survived by his wife Flora at the family home, son Martin (Vicki), daughter Deanna, sister-in-law Ann Marie Olsson, grandchildren Shane Opp (Kim), LeAnna Clark (Troy), Heather Olsson (Kelly), Eric Olsson, Dan McLaughlin (Cari) and Emilie McLaughlin (Eric), numerous great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Polson Community Church Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11:00 am.

The family has requested donations to the Shrine’s Hospital in Spokane or Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena in lieu of flowers. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.