James K. Olson

James "Jim" Kermit Olson, age 89 of Cannon Falls, died at home on Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026.

Jim was born May 8, 1937 in Paynesville, MN, the son of Kermit and Martha (Schaumann) Olson. He grew up in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School with the class of 1955. After graduating, he moved to Minneapolis with his lifelong friend and cousin, Marlyn Houk, where he worked in the construction industry. In March of 1957 Jim met Liz and the two began dating later that year. On June 21, 1958, Jim and Liz were united in marriage. Jim started his trucking career in partnership with his brother (Johnnie) in Paynesville. They worked together for many years. Eventually Jim started his own trucking company in Rosemount, MN, working with both Sue (daughter) and Tom (son). Jim "officially" retired in 1995 and he and Liz started their life as volunteers, serving the Lord through RV Maps and Convoy of Hope. Jim was the job supervisor for most of the projects.

Jim and Liz served the Lord for more than 25 years building churches and relationships throughout the country. Jim was bereft after Liz's death in 2018 until he met and married Ardell Youngberg on August 20, 2020. For the next few years, Jim and Ardell continued this mission work. Jim was a natural leader, serving on city councils, church boards, and various other organizations. His most important accomplishment was living his life for Jesus Christ.

Jim is survived by his daughter Susan (Aaron) Topp; son Thomas (Debbie) Olson; grandchildren Lexy (Timmy) Newby and Dylan Olson; his siblings Johnnie (Pat) Olson, Elaine (Gary) Sonstegard, Kathy Niewind, Verna (Kevin) Burr, and Pam (Bruce) Borgerding; along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Jim was preceded in death by his wives Elizabeth "Liz" in 2018 and Ardell in 2026; his parents; his sister Delores Sonstegard; and bother-in-law Mike Niewind.

The funeral service will be at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Celebration Church 16655 Kenyon Avenue in Lakeville, with a visitation one hour prior to the service (11:00 am-12:00 pm). This service will be live-streamed and available to watch below. Following the service and refreshments, interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Randolph Township.

Memorials are preferred to Convoy of Hope, PO Box 1125, Springfield, MO 65801
Phone: (417) 823-8998  convoyofhope.org/donate/

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Jim's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.