Gregory Oleson

Gregory Greg M. Oleson, 59, of Great Falls, a retired pharmaceutical rep, died after a long illness on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Peace Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m. on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Greg was born on July 3, 1953 in Great Falls to Dick and Betty Oleson. He was raised in Sun River and graduated from Simms High School in 1971. He graduated from MSU in Bozeman in 1976 with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science.After graduating from college he started working for Norton Laboratories as a field representative for veterinary medicine.He later went to work for Smith Klein Bercham and Pfizer. Greg loved shooting, winning Presidents 100 out of 1000 at Camp Perry, Ohio. He also loved hunting and packing with his horses and mules.Greg has a long family history in the valley. His Grandfather Oleson was the cowboy silhouette for Charlie Russell paintings. He delivered mail on horseback in the valley. His Grandmother Oleson was orphaned at a young age and was raised for a time at Couch Ranch in Vaughn. She was the Sun River Post Mistress for several years. Gregs father worked with computers at Deaconess Hospital when they started, later becoming Vice President. His mom was raised in Fort Shaw and all through her kids school years, she cooked for valley schools and volunteered for fund raisers for the volunteer fire department and other needs. Greg passed away after a long illness and will go to be with his father, brother and grandparents. Greg is now riding the range in Cowboy Heaven. You were a great husband, son, brother and friend. You will be dearly missed.Greg is survived by his wife, Lisa Oleson of Great Falls; his mother, Betty Oleson of Great Falls; brothers, Bruce ( Mikel) Oleson of Sun Prairie, and Doug (Bev) Oleson of Prescott Valley, AZ; stepson, Bill Kenney of Great Falls; nieces, Erin, Nikki, and Shaina; nephews, Scott, Clint and Connor;by one grandniece; and two grandnephews.He was preceded in death by his father; and his brother Vince.Memorials may be made to Sun River Methodist, 726 Central Ave W, Great Falls, MT59404; Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT59405; or to a charity of the donors choice.Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.