Joe Olsrud

Joseph “Joe” Bernard Olsrud was born on November 25, 1937 in Graceville, Minnesota to Philip and Mary (Smithwick) Olsrud. He graduated from high school and served as a United States Marine. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Joe attended Dunwoody Technical College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From there, he would travel to over 14 countries working with UNISYS, a global technology solutions company. Joe was married and divorced. On June 11, 1988 he married Cecelia Broer in Luverne, Minnesota. Joe officially retired in 1991 and moved to Luverne, but continued working part-time for Farmers Union and Steve Toftland. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Joe died at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne at the age of 88 years, 4 months, and 4 days.

Joe had a great sense of humor and loved a good conversation. He was known for his intelligence. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards and board games, especially with his grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, Cecelia Olsrud of Luverne; children, Kimberly (Joel) Oberlander of El Mirage, Arizona, Kelly (Michel) Quantin of Frejus, France, Kathy (David) Kannenberg of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, David (Heather) Olsrud of Mesa, Arizona, and Christopher Olsrud of St. Paul, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren, Josh, Alese, Pierre, Xavier, Dawson, August, Katie, Danielle, Cheyanne, Robert, and Marybeth; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Mary Olsrud; and siblings, Phyllis Giroux, John Olsrud, Bob Olsrud, and Frank Olsrud.