Wallace Olson

1929 - 2017

Wallace Olson obituary, 1929-2017, Durango, CO

BORN

1929

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue

Durango, Colorado

Wallace Olson Obituary

Wallace Conrad Olson passed away Friday, May 26, 2017 at Mercy Regional Hospital in Durango, CO., he was 87.

Wally was born on July 5, 1929, in Halstad, Minnesota, to William and Ethel Olson. He grew up on the family farm in Halstad with his 3 sisters, Bunny, Dodee and Margie.

He married Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Scott, the love of his life, on Nov 8, 1952. They always told the story of how they met 'tipping outhouses' with friends. Wally took over the family farm as a young newlywed. They had 3 children, Terry, Dana and Matthew.

They lived on the farm for the next 27 years, raising wheat, grains and sugar beets. Wally was named Norman County Farmer of the Year. He was active on the Halstad school board and they attended the Halstad Lutheran Church. They built a riding arena and often hosted horse riding events at the farm. They also enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling and dancing to country music.

In 1979 they sold the farm in Halstad and moved to Sturgis, SD. He owned a ranch in Newell, SD and raised cattle and alfalfa along with his son Terry. They continued to enjoy life with friendly neighbors and continued relationships with Minnesota friends. He retired from farming in 1995, and spent his time with woodworking and general putting around, often on his John Deere mower.

His wife Betty started suffering from a series of health problems, and in 2013, they sold the home in Sturgis and moved to Durango, CO where they could be near their daughter, Dana, and grandson Joe. Betty died in Durango in 2015, after 62 years of marriage. Wally and his dog Cody then moved in to Sunshine Gardens Assisted Living home in Durango. He enjoyed the exercise classes and weekly poker games there and of course, he and his dog were a couple of popular guys at the home.

Wally loved farming. He worked hard at everything that he did. He would take on any task that he felt needed to be done to make things better. He loved John Deere Tractors. He loved lefse and anything Norwegian. He was a sweet, kind man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loved by all with his cute smile and personality.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his son, Matthew, and his granddaughter, Ana.

He is survived by his children Terry Olson of Sheridan, WY, and Dana Wilson of Durango, CO; sisters Bunny Wang, Dodee Ackerman, and Margie Yates; 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; and his constant companion, his dog Cody.

Internment of ashes will be at the Augustana Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN, on Aug 19, at 11:00 am. We invite family and friends to join us for a celebration of his life at the gravesite, followed by lunch in the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Augustana Lutheran Church, Cemetery Fund, 1319 270th Ave, Halstad, MN 56548.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jun. 9, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Olson

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Wallace Olson's name

Memorial Events
for Wallace Olson

Aug

19

Interment

11:00 a.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church

Halstad, MN

Funeral services provided by:

Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

How to support Wallace's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Wallace Olson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored