Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Olson, Omer Sophus

Age 95

OLSON, Omer Sophus
2/26/1921 - 4/17/2016 (Age 95)

Omer was born February 26, 1921 in Belfield, North Dakota, the ninth of ten children born to Olaus F. and Ida C. (Wulff) Olson.

His family settled in Spokane, WA in 1938 where he graduated from North Central High School.

He worked for H. Earl Clack Co. in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho until a transfer in 1941 to Bonner Ferry, Idaho where he operated a service station and met his future wife Korra Marie Grunerud.
Omer enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 9, 1942 during World War ll.

On a seven-day leave he and Korra were married on August 29th, 1942 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

He served on the Aircraft Carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the North Atlantic on anti-submarine patrol and escorting convoys of troop and war supply ships to Europe and N. Africa.

The USS Bogue and her task group sank 13 enemy submarines between 1943 -1945 and received the Presidential Unit Citation and Three Battle Stars for service during WWII.

Omer received his honorable discharge on October 5, 1945 at Williamsburg, Virginia with the rank of Aviation Chief Ordnanceman.

Omer’s Naval service was a major source of pride to him his entire life.

That was evident with his display of the medals he earned during his service and the communication he maintained with shipmates via reunions, letters, e-mails and a Bogue website.

Omer also kept all of his and Korra’s family history in vast files.

He was very proud of both his and Korra’s Norwegian heritage.
Omer’s working career began with H. Earl Clack Company in the Pacific Northwest.

H. Earl Clack later became “Husky Oil Company”.

He held many management positions in his career and retired as the company Audits Supervisor in April of 1983.
During his working career and beyond, Omer bought nearby homes, fixed them up then rented them out.

Quite often he ended up selling the properties to existing renters.

To keep up with the maintenance on the homes he became a self-taught mechanic, roofer, plumber, electrician and carpenter.
Omer and Korra enjoyed many years at their Coeur d’Alene Black Rock Bay cabin, later; they acquired a larger nearby lakefront home.

Omer harvested fallen trees on their lake property with his antique hand crank tractor that he loved to drive for cordwood later to burn in their wood stove.

He loved to entertain family and friends and enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Omer would often plow the snow off the road for other residents at Black Rock Bay with that old tractor.
Omer and Korra lived independently in their own homes, which included ten memorable years in their Good Samaritan Village cottage home, and five special years at Broadway Court Estates.

In December 2015, they moved to their very first assisted living apartment at Riverview Retirement Community, knowing they would both benefit from more assistance as time went on.

They received excellent care and enjoyed everything else too while still together at Riverview Terrace.
Omer was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings (three sisters and six brothers) and Korra who unexpectedly passed away 79 days prior to Omer on January 29, 2016.

When Korra died Omer tried his best to carry on but was so overwhelmed by her sudden departure that his health declined rapidly.


Omer was deeply loved and will be missed by those who knew him.

He will be remembered for his faith, patriotism, love for his family and friends, gratitude, humor, kindness, problem solving skills, hospitality, leadership and wisdom.


Omer S. is survived by five children (and spouses): sons, Omer L. “Butch” of Eltopia, WA, John, Art, and Ted, all of Spokane, WA; daughter, Arlynn DuChene, West Linn, OR; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.
A Graveside Service with Navy Honor Guard will be held on Saturday, April 30th, 11:00 AM, Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N. Government Way (inside the gates at Heritage Funeral Home).

A 2:00 PM Memorial Service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2715 S. Ray St., Spokane, WA 99223.

Remembrances may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church where Omer and Korra were members since 1964 (52 years).