The Memorial Service for Fred Olson, age 80, of Lemmon, SD, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2014 at the Prince of Peace Chapel of the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon. Pastor Tottie Lenerville will officiate.


Frederick (Fred) Olson was born December 1st 1933 in the back seat of a Model T in Grant County ND to John and Marion (Nelson) Olson.  He was one of nine children.  He graduated high school in Leith ND, while in high school he was on the basketball team.


As a young man he worked on his Uncle James and Clarence's ranch in the Paradise Flats area and also worked for Art and Georgia Vatland, South of Morristown.


On February 4th 1953 he married Viola Schell. Their wedding was held at the home of Fred's parents.  A wedding dance followed in Brisbane, ND.  To this union 3 Children were born.


In 1953 Fred and Viola moved to the Black Hills and resided in Lead SD where Fred worked in the Homestake Gold Mine for 18 years.  He was a member of the Teamsters Union at the Homestake Gold Mine and a member of the Moose Lodge, in Lead SD. He longed to get back to ranching and farming.


In 1971 Fred found his dream job and relocated his family to Lemmon, SD where he worked for the Bob Kressley Ranch.  Ranching, farming, riding horse, and working with livestock were truly his passion.


Fred also worked with other area ranchers, drove truck for John Corcoran, and worked at the Lemmon Area Livestock Market; he was determined to have his own herd and leased land from local farmers and ranchers throughout his career.


Fred decided that he was not quite ready for retirement so he went to work driving for NAPA auto parts company.  His delivery route was in the Faith and Eagle Butte area where he enjoyed fellowship with Faith area ranchers.   Fred had a keen eye for wild life and would report back to his sons, Monte and John and grandson Josh where the big bucks were as he spotted them along the way.
Fred was a hard worker but also made sure he took time with his family.  He loved to dance, bowl, fish, hunt, go camping, boating, water skiing, and snowmobiling.


Although family was the center of Fred's world, Charlie Brown (the horse) and Blue (the cattle dog) took first place.  Blue was Fred's shadow.


Fred celebrated 80 years of life and left an amazing legacy of family.  He and Viola celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year.


He is survived by wife Viola (Schell) Olson, Lemmon, SD; sons Monte (Kim) Olson Lemmon, SD and John (Lisa) Olson Box Elder, SD; daughter Georgia (Scott) Johnson Seattle, WA; grandchildren Beth, Rebecca, Craig, Rachelle, Josh, Chelsey, and Landan; great grandchildren Lily, Laila, Arlo, Evie, and Baylor; three sisters.


He is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.




Let me tell you folks
Who have gathered here today
That I'm a proud and thankful cowboy
Who has just passed away

I know it's hard
But, please don't cry
For I'm now ridin' Gods trails
High up in the sky

The horse I'm ridin' now
Don't spook, buck or kick
For God stables perfect horses
And now I have my pick

Lord, please forgive me of all my sins
For I haven't been perfect
But I know that he who believes in You
Forever wins!

I have lived a good life
A cowboys dream come true
Thank You Lord,
For I'm now ready to ride into eternity
Me, my horse, and You.