- Date Of Birth: May 4, 1934
- Date Of Death: May 29, 2022
- State: Indiana
Donald J Olson, born May 4, 1934, in Milaca, MN to the late Paul and Lillian (Peterson) Olson, went into the arms of Jesus, His Savior on May 29, 2022, at his residence.
Don spent most of his early years on a dairy farm in Milaca and attended Milaca High School. After moving around the country, working various occupations, he found himself in Lake Village, IN. There he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Carol Boyd. He was then drafted into the United States Army. Don and Carol married on October 26, 1957, while Don was stationed in Huntsville, AL. After serving for 2 years, Don was honorably discharged, and the couple moved back to Indiana and settled in Lake Village, where they spent the next 58 years raising their 5 children and participating in many community events. In May 2016, they downsized and moved to Lafayette to be closer to family.
Don was a home builder and remodeler in Newton County area for most of his life. He was proud of his craftmanship and his ability to make someone’s dreams become a reality with their new home. Don was a well-known and respected home builder, businessman, and community leader.
He was a long-time member of the Lake Village Presbyterian Church, where he was a Sunday School Teacher and served on many church boards, usually as the chairperson. After moving to Lafayette, he joined Grace United Methodist Church. Don was most proud of being part of the Gideons organization. He enjoyed passing out scripture to all who would accept God’s Word and prayed that they would find a personal relationship with God. He served on many boards in the Newton County area such as Newton County Fair, and North Newton School Corporation. He was also a Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing trips to Canada, camping, gardening, and above all spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife Carol; 5 children, Lynn (Jim) Hartwick of Lafayette, Richard (Lisa) Olson of Coatesville, Philip (Dawn) Olson of Logansport, Paul (Susan) Olson of Rensselaer, and Rodney (Lorri) Olson of Rochester; 13 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his 6 siblings, Kenneth Olson, Jean Halliday, Joyce Rutzen, Willis Olson, Donna Mae Olson (twin) and Phyllis Tornquist.
Memorials may be made in Don’s honor to Gideon International or a favorite charity.
