HURON — Daniel Olson, age 88, of Huron, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Hendricks Community Hospital.
Funeral service will be Thursday, June 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Singsaas Church in Hendricks. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at Singsaas Church and will resume one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be at the Singsaas Church Cemetery.
Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Hendricks, Minn., is entrusted with arrangements.
Daniel Doyle Olson was born on Nov. 23, 1935, to Ambrose and Hazel (Dorn) Olson in Hansonville Township, Minnesota. He attended District 28 Country School until the family moved to a farm near Astoria, S,D. He finished out his high school days in Hendricks, graduating from Hendricks High School in 1953. Upon graduation, he worked for the MinnSoDak Telephone Company before starting school at South Dakota State University.
Daniel married the love of his life, Marjorie “Midge” Kjelden, on Sept. 1,1955. Dan graduated from SDSU in 1959 with a degree in electrical engineering. His first job was with Boeing in Seattle, Wash/, where their son Kevin was born. From there, they moved to Minneapolis, then Rapid City, where their daughter Kim was born and then to Santa Maria, Calif. Dan’s choice to bring his family closer to home, led them to Huron, where their daughter Sherri was born. Daniel worked for the U.S. Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration in Huron for nearly 50 years until his retirement. Over the years, the respect he generated from co-workers turned into friendships which lasted until his last days.
In his youth, Dan enjoyed playing sports with a particular love for baseball. He participated on various teams throughout his years and was noted for his exceptional batting skills. His love for sporting events continued throughout his children’s and grandchildren’s years in school. He and Midge enjoyed attending many games, matches, and meets over the years.
Daniel’s personality was quiet and focused with a streak of wit and a love to tease. He had a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was a born again believer in Jesus Christ. He was an avid reader of the Word of God. He read through the Bible many times and memorized lots of scripture. He was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Hendricks and attended Calvary Baptist Church in Huron for close to 60 years, holding many leadership positions. John 14:6 and John 3:16 were two of Dan’s favorite verses, proclaiming Jesus as the only way to heaven.
In the early 1960s, Dan and Midge purchased “The Prairie Farm” in Lake Hendricks Township. After the work week in Huron, the family spent their weekends at the farm. Dan loved raising Hereford cattle, which included many hours of feeding, fencing and fixing. The farm was the family place where everyone gathered, had fun, and made life long memories, including the cattle round up held each fall. The cattle were brought home from the pasture with the help of whoever was willing. It was all part of a wonderful way of life that he sought for his family.
Daniel was a devoted and loving husband to Midge for 65 years. He loved the Lord, his family and his friends until he peacefully passed away on Saturday, June, 22, surrounded by loved ones.
Daniel is survived by his three children: Kevin (Lori) Olson of Hendricks, Minn.; Kimberly (Mark) Baker of Minneapolis; and Sherri (Gary) Johnson of Hendricks. His grandchildren: Daniel Olson, Thomas (Mandy) Olson, Jennefer (Jason) Schwartz, Cole (Nicole) Baker, Martha Baker, Wyatt Baker, Greta Johnson, Sophie Johnson and Sadie Johnson. His great grandchildren: Camden, Emma and Olivia Olson, Hazel Baker and Rory Baker. His brother, David Olson and sister, Beatta Sagmoe of Hendricks. Sisters-in-law:, Brenda Olson of Sioux Falls, Joan Krier, LaDonna (David) Thomsen, LuJeanne Kjelden, brother-in-law, Ronald (Marlene) Kjelden all of Hendricks, MN, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Midge; his parents, Hazel and Ambrose Olson; brother, Stephen Olson; infant sister, Yolanda Olson; parents-in-law, Pernie and Eleanor Kjelden; brothers-in-law, Deane Sagmoe, Donald Kjelden, Randall Kjelden, Thomas Krier; sister-in-law, Janet Kjelden; niece, Melissa Sagmoe; and nephew, Kyle Kjelden.