Proposal aims to name Roseau Post Office after legendary postmaster Floyd B. Olson

Jul. 14—ROSEAU, Minn. — The family of Floyd B. Olson, a previous postmaster of the United States Postal Service office in Roseau, was surprised by the news that the office could soon be named after him.

One of Olson's daughters, Sarajane Weiss, along with Olson's wife, Marge, and son Jeff all said they were honored by the possibility, but that Floyd Olson himself wasn't one for accolades.

"Knowing Floyd, he would say, 'no,'" Marge Olson said. "He was devoted to his work."

Added Jeff Olson: "He was a humble man. This isn't his cup of tea."

The Roseau City Council made the request to U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach to get the post office renamed in honor of Olson. Fischbach, R-Minnesota, introduced legislation to have the building renamed on June 26. The council's reasons for the request start with Olson's history of serving the post office for 28 years — 25 as postmaster, from 1966 to 1991.

He also was a U.S. Army veteran and an active member of the community serving on the Roseau County Historical Society Board, Roseau County Fair Board, Rose Free Lutheran Church Board and Men's Club and the Postmaster's Association. Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian said Olson is universally liked around Roseau, and it will be a nice day when the office is renamed after him.

"Floyd has a lasting legacy in Roseau," he said.

In a press release, Fischbach said, "Mr. Olson was a proud family man, a man of faith and a staple in the Roseau community. ... I can think of no better person to dedicate this post office to, and I am proud to introduce this legislation."

Olson, according to his obituary, was born Nov. 9, 1931, and died Dec. 26, 2017, at the age of 86. His obituary mentioned multiple pursuits, like spending time outdoors, socializing with his "Thursday morning coffee crew" and cheering on his grandchildren. He was also proud of his Swedish heritage and would joke around with his Norwegian friends. Olson's good nature was also highlighted.

"Floyd's life exemplified kindness, compassion and generosity," it said. "He lived each day placing others' needs above his own. He had a special way of making others feel important."

Scotie Bellefy, the current postmaster at the post office, said he didn't know Olson long but enjoyed seeing him at church. Bellefy moved to Roseau in 2012 and never heard a bad word about Olson. He said he's excited about the office possibly being named after him.

"He was a good guy," he said. "He liked to joke around."

Olson's humor was a key piece of his personality from those who spoke about him, and from a story about him published soon after his death by Roseau Times-Region writer Jeff Olsen. Olsen's story features quotes from Olson's family, as well as others who knew him, from employees to employers and other community members. Richard Mattson, who had been a mailman under Olson, said in the story that he had been a terrific boss and a "Jack Benny type" of guy, referencing an American entertainer who was known for his comic timing.

Olsen himself said Olson was a great character and probably the most popular postmaster Roseau has had.

"I couldn't agree more that he was a deserving guy," he said.

Sarajane Weiss said her father was dedicated to his work and took pride in his time as a postmaster. He would find the correct address for wrongly addressed mail and get to know everyone in town.

"As a family, we're really honored and appreciative of this happening," she said.