Richard "Dick" Olson, age 79, of Huron, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, at his home under hospice care.

His memorial service was held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 21, at the Faith Alive Church.

Visitation with family present was held one hour prior to the service at the church. His service was live-streamed .

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Salvation Army.

Richard "Dick" Dean Olson was born June 15, 1946, to Raymond Leroy Olson and Berneice (Brandow) Olson in Presho, South Dakota. He was the second youngest with four brothers and two sisters. He spent his summers helping his dad with carpentry and held various farming jobs. He graduated Presho High School in 1964.

After graduation, he went on to Black Hills State College. To help pay for college, he worked at the Bells Filling Station in Spearfish. Dick graduated in 1968, with a degree in secondary education. That same year he was drafted into the United States Army. He would serve in Vietnam from 1968-1971, as a forward observer helping to direct artillery fire until he was honorably discharged.

Following his service in Vietnam, Dick would begin his career in road construction. He would become an accomplished heavy equipment and asphalt plant operator. His first employer would be Dave Gustafson Construction; where he would work until 1984. Working road construction, he travelled across the state. First staying in small town hotels, and then living in a camper onsite. While at Dave Gustafson Construction he would meet the superintendent's daughter, Mary Long. Dick and Mary were married on November 25, 1983. From 1985-1986, Dick would work for Healy Construction, while living with Mary in Pierre. In 1986, they would move to Huron and Dick would work with Asphalt Paving & Materials until his retirement in 2016.

Dick and Mary had two sons, Daniel (1987) and Zachary (1990). He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He made time for his family by helping with numerous house renovations, giving rides to appointments, and giving them boards and furniture he had collected. He enjoyed carpentry, reading history, watching westerns, and walking Zach's dog Molly. He loved a good auction where he could spend $5 or less. The only thing better was something free along the curb.

Dick also strived to be active in the church. He attended bible studies, helped usher, helped with Habitat for Humanity, and made sure he was in attendance every Sunday.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Berneice; and his brothers, Albert, Larry, Donald and Robert.

He is survived by his wife, sons and daughters-in-laws, Katherine Phillips Olson (Dan) and Rachael Olson (Zach); granddaughter, Kira Olson (Zach); his sisters, Adelia Olsen and Beverly Johnson; his nephews, Bart Johnson and Bernard Johnson; and his sisters- and brothers-in-law, David and Susan Halbritter, Doug Long, Kathy Olson and Linda Olson.

 His Guestbook can be found on this page at this link.

Lest We Forget.