Donald Olson, age 89 of Austin, MN (formerly of Bricelyn) entered into eternal rest after a long battle with cancer Friday, January 10, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will start one hour prior (10:00-11:00am) to the service on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Frost, MN with the funeral service starting at 11:00am. Pastor Aaron Evenson and Donavan Olson will officiate the service. Burial will be after the service at South Blue Earth Cemetery with Military Honors by Bricelyn American Legion.
Donald Richard Olson was born March 4, 1935 to John and Anna (Johnson) Olson near Bricelyn, Minnesota. Donald was baptized, confirmed and married at South Blue Earth Lutheran Church. He joined the Army February 16, 1955 and was honorably discharged on February 15, 1957. Donald returned home and farmed for seven years and was united in marriage to VaLores Berg on February 21, 1959. As a lifelong member of South Blue Earth Lutheran Church Donald served the congregation in every way he could including years of elected positions. He was a faithful man, and had a servant heart.
He enjoyed many activities including: hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling and four wheeling. The family garden was a true south Bricelyn attraction. He spent many snowy days clearing snow for the church, friends and neighbors. Donald never met a stranger and was a master of conversation with anyone he came across. He was the family driving instructor until his last days. Tracking the weather for all his family members was a daily activity and a great excuse to call and check in. Donald spent 26 years serving his community through his volunteer work with the Bricelyn Fire Dept and Ambulance crew.
After spending a lifetime in Bricelyn, Donald and VaLores moved to Austin, MN in 2020.
Donald is survived by his best friend and loving wife, VaLores Olson; their children: Tammy (Nick) Reiher, Daniel (DeeAnn) Olson, Linda (Doug) Meyn, Paul (Kris) Olson, Lori (Mark) Wills; grandchildren whom he adored: Jillian Reiher, Andrew Reiher, Danielle Steinhauer, April Brase, Courtney Phillips, Brittany Grainge, Chris Meyn, Johnathan Olson, Benjamin Olson, Morgan Terwey, Leah Wills, Spencer Wills; great- grandchildren who brought him great joy: Mya, Mason, Nolan, Wyatt, Rae, Callie, Ava, Paxtyn, Harper, Graylee and another great granddaughter coming in May. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and a large extended family.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Margaret (Lloyd) Larson, Marjorie (Norlan) Sorbo, Ruby Rienstra, Jeffrey (Marion) Olson, and a brother in infancy; in-laws: George and Helen Berg, George Berg, Jr and Florence Berg.
My condolences to VaLores and family.
I did tree work for Don at his home in Bricelyn at different times. It was always fun to visit with him whenever I saw him. He was such a nice man.
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a bestowed figure of South Bricelyn, he always had encouraging words for us neighborhood kids
I’m so sorry to hear of uncle Don’s passing. Please know that Richard and I and mom and dad are thinking of you. I had many wonderful summers in Minnesota. With your folks and the Olson, girls and boys, I’ll never forget them.
Love to the Olson family.
Sad to hear of this lose to famil, friends and the community.
My sincere sympathy to VaLores and families. May your sweet memories fulfill you until your spirit meets with him again.
Thinking of you and your beautiful family at this difficult time. Peace and blessings to you all 🙏🏼💙
Friends at Courtyard send their condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your family’s loss. You have our sympathy.
My sincere sympathy to VaLores and families. May your sweet memories fulfill you until your spirits meet again
My sincere sympathy to VaLores and families. May your sweet memories fulfill you until your spirit meets with him again.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you in my prayers.