Clifford G. Olson

Stoughton- Clifford Gerald Olson died on Saturday February 21, 2009 at his home in the Town of Dunn at the age of 66.   He was born July 6, 1942 in Long Prairie, MN to Clifford and Ethel Olson of Osakis, MN.   He is survived by his wife Donna M. Sansome Olson, whom he married in St. Paul, MN in 1965.  He is further survived by a son, Allen (Melissa); a daughter Lynnette; a sister, Jean (Harlan) Chapman, of Schiocton, WI; two grandchildren, Alexander and Ella; and several nieces and nephews.   Clifford went to Hamline University in St. Paul for his B.S. degree in 1964 and Iowa State University in Ames for his PhD in physics in 1970.   He worked in solid state physics research for Ames Lab throughout his career, with his research being done at the Physical Sciences Lab in Stoughton.   A large number of his projects were collaborations with scientists from throughout the United States, Canada, Korea and several European countries.   He was awarded the Professional and Scientific Excellence Award in 1996 from Iowa State University.   He found photography, woodworking and Donna's embroidery an escape from his research.   A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Olson Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, with Rev. Clyde Cross officiating, followed by a reception at the Stoughton American Legion Post #59 on North Page St.   The family will greet friends at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.   Memorials may be made in Clifford's name to Second Harvest, or to the charity of your choice.