James Benny Olsen

James "Benny" Olsen, age 81, of Waseca died on Monday afternoon, October 1, 2018, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM on Friday, October 5, 2018, at Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca with Fr. Gregory Leif as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Waseca American Legion and VFW.
Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 4, 2018, with a prayer service beginning at 7 PM at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ McRaith Chapel of Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.
www.wasecafuneral.com
James Benjamin Olsen was born on November 3, 1936, to Viggo and Pearl (Paulson) Olsen in Mankato. Jim grew up in Freeborn where he received his education. June 28, 1954, Jim enlisted into the United States Navy where he proudly served his country until being honorably discharged on June 27, 1962. It was while in the service he met the love of his life, Andrea Matz. They were later united in marriage on September 22, 1962 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Jim and Andrea were blessed with three children and together shared 48 years of marriage before Andrea passed away on May 16, 2011.
Jim worked various jobs throughout his career as a mechanic but most notably he worked as the city mechanic for the City of Waseca for 29 years before retiring and working part time at Walmart. He was an avid golfer and an auto mechanic extraordinaire. Jim took pride in his vegetable garden and always having a beautiful looking yard. He also had a soft spot for animals and would rescue any animal he could, especially cats. Jim cherished the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family fondly remembers him for his work ethic, sense of humor and selflessness that he showed to all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.
Jim is survived by his daughters: Laurie Arth of Sarasota, FL and Judy (Steven) Strauss of Waseca; his son, Gregory (Nealie Wedell) Olsen of Waseca; grandchildren: Shauna Hattach, Krystal McCarty, Jillian McCarty, Levi Strauss, Emma Strauss, Lindsey Johnson, Blake Wedell, Stori Holt, Jax Olsen, and Axel Olsen; great grandchildren: Aaliyah Hattach and Coletyn McCarty; siblings: Clarence (Rozella) Olsen of VA, Elaine Sletten of Owatonna and Janice (Victor) McNeese of Minneapolis.
Preceded in death by his parents and wife.