Paul Edward Olson, age 78, passed away March 12, 2025 in Lakeside, California.
Paul was born in Cokato, MN on July 6, 1946 to Ed and Irene Olson. He attended Stockholm School and Cokato High School; he graduated in 1964. Paul married Linda in San Diego, CA on July 3, 1971. They went on to have two daughters Kelly and Shelly and reside in Lakeside, CA.
Paul ended up with two careers in his life, one with the San Diego Police Department and the other with the United States Marine Corp. While he was in the Marine Corp, he served in Vietnam, Laos, Desert Storm and Haiti. Paul served a total of 30 years duty with the Marines. He was a San Diego Police Officer for 34 years.
Paul joined the San Diego Police Dept. in 1971. In the beginning, he was in patrol. He later went on to become a detective and served in Burglary, Robbery, Fencing, Homicide and Criminal Intelligence. He was also a Hostage Negotiator. Paul took it upon himself to learn Spanish and became a Bi-lingual officer so he could better serve the community. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University in Criminal Justice. Paul influenced his daughter’s and granddaughter to follow in his footsteps. Kelly, is a Division Chief with the San Diego County Probation Department. Shelly was an officer for the San Diego Police Department and granddaughter, Kira, is an officer on the Greenville, SC Police Department.
As many of you know, Paul was a collector of MANY things. Just a few of his collections included coins, Henry rifles, license plates, marbles and any Cokato memorabilia. Of course, we can’t forget his love for John Deere – any and everything John Deere! He loved being able to come back to the farm he grew up and most of all, he had a very special place in his heart for Stockholm.
Paul is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Kelly (Aaron) Dodson, son-in-law George Luna, Grandchildren: Kira Dodson, Konnor Dodson, Austin Luna, Lilly Luna and Bella Luna, Sister Kathy Olson Studler and Brother Daniel Olson.
Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Shelly Luna, and sisters Judi Olson Martinson and Mary Olson Danielson.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday March 20, 2025 at Stockholm Lutheran Church, Cokato, MN. Visitation begins one hour prior.
Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com