Robert G. Olson, 88, Dickinson, died Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson with family by his side. Robert’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 15, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the Bowman Cemetery with Fr. Paul Eberle presiding. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Robert Gerald Olson was born on June 10, 1929 in McIntosh, S.D., to Ole and Lena (Jacobs) Olson of McIntosh. He attended Sioux County Country School through the 8th grade, transferring to Notre Dame Boarding School in Mitchell, S.D. After leaving school, he helped his father on the farm where he also developed a love for flying. He proudly told of making supply and mail drops after blizzards and even flying an expectant mother to the hospital. In 1951, Bob entered the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Gimpo Air Base in South Korea until his honorable discharge in 1953.
After his return, he married Marilyn Chase on April 14, 1956. They made their home in Morristown, S.D., where they purchased a farm and started their family. He farmed, ranched and drove truck to provide for his family until leaving the farm to pursue full time trucking. This job took him to Bowman, then Dickinson in 1982 where he worked for Barber Transportation until the time of his retirement. He enjoyed making his rounds visiting for coffee and spending time with his siblings, children and grandchildren.
In 2010, Bob moved to PAV/St. Luke’s Home where he resided until the time of his death.
He is survived by daughters, Londa (Steve) Halvorson, Jennifer Olson, Roberta Olson, Dianne Olson, and Stephanie (Kevin) Wilson; son, Kurt (Lisa) Olson; siblings, Vivian (Quentin) Heid, Doris Felton, and DuWayne Olson; 20 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Preceding Bob in death was his wife, of 53 years, Marilyn on April 11, 2009; his parents, Ole and Lena; son, Bruce; and granddaughters, Erika and Angela.
