This past October as I prepared for the birth of a child, Matt’s Grandfather and family were planning for the celebration of his 90th birthday.
90 years. I can barely fathom living to be 50, nonetheless 90! How much has this man seen and done? The lives he has touched were evident by the amount of pictures taken of him greeting the guests. smiles of love and endearment, a hand on their shoulder.. This is a man who has surely touched a lot of lives in his 90 years.
I have only met him twice. They live in Rochester, Minnestoa, which we have found is on the way to nowhere… Not one of those places you can say “ Well, on our way to (x location) let’s stop in and say hi.
The first time I met him was for the celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary. I truly can say that I hope his Grandson follows in his footsteps and will also be blessed to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary.
I don’t know a lot about him. He seems gentle and kind and of few words.
the amazing thing is that this 90 year old man still drives a school bus! I believe he retired from his career and started driving a bus to fill his time. That was over 30 years ago! the local community did spots on him for the news and it was so cute to see all of these children singing happy birthday to him.
Matt’s side of the family is spread far and wide and rarely is able to get together.
When we were in Texas and his parents were there also we would see them frequently. Since then, it’s been maybe every four to five years. It’s strange coming from a small family that has always lived close and gotten together for every holiday.
They made up a table with pictures of the families that were his progeny.
Duane olson had three children. Of those three, only Matt‘s dad went on to have children. Matt is the oldest of three boys.
Papa and Meme (Kevin and Susan Olson)
they now live in Rochester to help take care of Grandpa and Kevin’s sister who is disabled. Even thought they aren’t close they stay in touch with cards and packages every holiday!!! Not one birthday, anniversary or holiday gets by them. The children always look forward to their birthdays when they will find a card addressed to them as “Master Isaac”.
Jeremy is the middle boy. Him, his wife Heather and their three, live in Florida where he owns an awning company. They became pregnant with the twins when their daughter was only nine months or so. Anytime I would dwell on how hard it was to have two so close together I was reminded of Heather raising three and quickly shut up :)
Danny is the youngest and lives with his wife Tiffany and daughter Kylee in Amarillo, Texas with the Podzemny (Matt’s mother’s family) clan. He is a master plumber.
from being the patriarch of a small family of five, he is now the beginning link in a family of 19.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!!
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