“I have a story for you…” Known for his zest of life, sense of humor, and storytelling Donald L. Olsen, born on D-Day, June 6, 1944, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on November 27, 2016. True to Don’s personal style, his final hours were spent joking with medical personnel while he hugged and loved on his family and friends.
Dad loved to share his travel adventures. The stories of the road and the people he met were a great joy in his life. Our family fondly recalls how he excelled at starting projects and spent many hours finishing them in his sleep, which left time in the day to begin another project. Or his inquisitive nature that inevitable lead to asking, “Will you Google this…”He had a life-long love affair with peanut butter, jelly, baloney, and mustard sandwiches with a side of pickles and pepperoncinis. His kids were the center of his life and we all knew it. We were all his favorites at one time or another, depending on which one of us was with him at the time. He loved spending time with his grandkids and telling “Grandpa stories”. Even when his grandkids were not with him they were always in his heart and there they will stay forever.
Dad had many loves in his life. He was proud of his time spent in the Navy, he especially enjoyed his time in the Philippines. Dad loved going on mission trips with his church. He enjoyed getting to know the kids and using his talents to make life better for others. Rarely did you ever see dad without hearing him whistle a tune or singing a song – even if that song was at 6:00 a.m. – “Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day…” or “Wake up, wake up you sleepy head.” It goes without saying that family reunions were a highlight of his year.
He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his children: Damon (Tammy) Olsen, Dennis Olsen, Judy (Tracy) Tice, Brenda (Todd) Thomas, Amber Olsen, and Dusty Olsen; grandchildren: Monty, Cameron, Ashley, Colby, Jeremiah, Oshen, Justyce, Octavia (Kyle), Logan, Stevie, Drew, Kelby, Arionna, Mykal, Taden, and Kionna; great-grandchildren: Priscilla, Lindanna, Damon, Mia, and Chloe; niece, Bobbi Ballard and close friends Glenn and June Elder, Mark and Linda Blazer, Scott and Lynora Rogstad, Wayne and Joyce Venetz, Josie McPhee, and many other friends too numerous to mention, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the women he was blessed to have shared his life with, his first love, Lois Carribou Olsen, and his soul mate, Velma Peel Olsen; daughter Robin Morgan; and parents Cecil and Mabel Olsen.
We ask that you stop by and retell the stories he can no longer tell Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena. Reception to follow. After the reception graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at 3:00pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N. Montana Ave.
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Bevann Hamill says
Don is greatly missed by us at First Student. He always had a smile and liked to share a story. I personally will miss his visits to my office where he would just “check in” to see how things were going and say hello. He had such a kind heart and a helpful spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Bevann
Judy Tice says
Through every painful moment in the last several weeks, I’ll never forget that look in your crystal blue eyes wishing and praying you could take it all away. I may not be able to see you anymore with my eyes, but I know your heart and I know you would do anything possible to take all the sadness that is happening right now, away, if you could.
I want to thank you for everything you did for us. You have no idea how blessed I am to have you as my dad. I loved how you would walk into my home calling “Hello in the house†or when you would just randomly break out singing and thanks to you, I know all the lyrics to the Animal Fair and I’ve now proudly taught them to my kids.
While you’re known for your quick smile, love of storytelling and playfulness to make others laugh that is just one small part of you I loved so much. The part I loved the most is the part that gets me. Not only did I share your love of travel and our need for many restroom breaks that made us great travel companions. I loved that we shared the same view of life, love and family. You gave me the strength to hold on during difficult times when all I wanted to do is walk away and give up. You worked very hard at helping me to keep a good attitude and a tender heart, to not give into negativity and when I felt angry or hurt or disappointed you would sit and listen while I poured my heart out knowing that I didn’t expect you to have all the answers or even fix the problem that I just needed you to hold my hand.
Dad I already miss your voice, your laughter and your company but mostly I miss your hugs. So until the day we meet again, our family will not be complete. But know we will live forever in your honor and live to make you smile.
I love you dad ~
Judy
Judy Tice says
1 file added to the tribute wall
Brandi Spangler says
I have very fond memories of both Don and Vel. It’s hard for me to picture one without the other because all my memories were of them together, mostly at the kitchen table. They were always kind, gracious and welcoming and had a way of making you feel special. I will always remember Dons smile, laugh and loving sarcasm. I’m sorry, family, that you will grieve without him. I’m happy he is home with his love in his arms again!
Melissa says
Although there are many memories for me with Uncle Donny, & a ton more from my husband, i’ll never forget the one where we were at a family reunion here at the ranch and he was teaching the kids how to catch/kill flies and then bring them back to life. While at the time it was funny, little did I know what kind of havoc that was going to create for me later as my house was filled not only with flies but bees as well that summer.
While I know he is finally at peace and in such a more wonderful place, he is going to leave an incredible hole in this family as he had such a magnificent positive presence and always a smile for you as well as the story. Love, hugs and peace……..
Anonymous says
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Don Olsen.
Judy Tice says
To the Man I would call Dad.
The first day I met you, I knew you were a very special person. The way you invited me to lunch showed me the humor that knows no bounds. And how a smoke alarm can be used as a dinner bell. Your love and faith of others showed when you would stop whatever you were doing to give a helping hand.
The way you would walk into the shop calling out Mr. T while whistling and asking where the salt shaker was so we could have a beer before whatever project we were to start. Maybe that is why things were “finger tight” when we (I) got done. It will always amaze me, how much we got done.
You were always there for me whenever I needed you. From just your laugh, smile, taking me to get stitches or just a good kick in the butt to get me going.
I know that there is no way I can ever thank you for being the man that I would come to love and call my Dad.
I only hope that someday I maybe at least 1/2 the man you were to me and those whose life’s you have touched.
I’ll always love you Dad,
Your son Tracy
Kathy Olson says
To the Family of Don Olsen, I wanted to share with you what a profound impact Don made on my life and on the lives of the many youth that he served while driving the bus for our youth group on retreats and mission trips. Don was friendly and funny and he loved to tell the kids stories and joke with them. Each time that he was our bus driver, he whole-heartedly joined with us in worship and in service to others. He could easily have relaxed in a hotel room and read a good book, but instead he slept with us on the floors of churches, volunteered in the kitchen, served in homeless shelters and participated in crazy adventures. The kids loved Don. We all loved Don. There simply are not enough words to express to you what a beautiful reflection of Christ Don was in the lives of the hundreds of people that he touched through his job as a bus driver. I will never forget him!
Kathy Olson- Director of Youth and Family Ministries for Our Redeemers Lutheran Church (Retired)
Colleen Holzheimer says
Judy & Tracy, Octavia, Kyle & Logan, so very sorry you lost your Dad & grandpa. He sounds like a very generous & kind human being. The ones we need more of! Gone too soon, you are in my prayers. Cousin Colleen Galvin
Brenda Thomas says
I will miss so much about the amazing man I call Dad – each time I see the American flag blowing in the wind I will think of him and my heart will swell with love. He always said it was the most beautiful sight. I love you and miss you so much already Dad.
Brenda
Bevann Hamill says
1 file added to the tribute wall
Bevann Hamill says
1 file added to the tribute wall
Bevann Hamill says
1 file added to the tribute wall
Jalena Johnson says
So sad to hear of Don’s passing. He will be missed.