Thief River Falls – Richard Olson, Thief River Falls, 86, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at his home in Thief River Falls, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard Arlen Olson was born on July 2, 1937 in Thief River Falls, the son of Edwin and Emma (Hofer) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Richard attended country school by the family homestead and graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1954.
Upon graduation, Richard started working for the MN Highway Dept. until his friend Bill Ness convinced him to come work at Arctic Cat. He was one of the last employees of the original Arctic Cat, working there until 1982 when he became self-employed. He was proud to have built the last 9 holes of the Thief River Falls Country Club in 1993. Richard was a jack-of-all-trades but farming was his life.
In October 10, 1959, Richard was united in marriage to Sharon Hendrickson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls where three children were born of this union, Julie, Steven, and Jennifer.
Richard loved hunting, fishing, fixing anything, and most of all he loved his family.
Richard is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Julie (Michael) McGauvran, Steven (Julie) Olson, and Jennifer (David) Kack; grandchildren, Adam (Rachel) McGauvran, Sara McGauvran, Haley (Pete Thingelstad) Olson, Maxwell Olson, Riley (Amalie) Kack, Emily Kack, and Olivia Kack; great-grandchildren, Noah, Ava, Logan, and Harper; brother, Ronald (Karen) Olson; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his infant daughter; his parents; brothers, LuVern, Morris, and Erling Olson.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Red River Valley, Dr. Khaled Rabadi, Dr. Anil Potti, and the staff at The Cancer Center of North Dakota for all their kindness and compassionate care.
Funeral Service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 7, 2023 with Rev. Stephanie White officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Red River Valley Hospice or Hope Foundation at the Cancer Center of North Dakota.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
A00003B2023OT11