Obituary: Duane C. Olson

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In memory of

Duane C. Olson

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 85

Duane Calvin Olson was born November 4, 1926, at Pukwana, South Dakota, the son of Carl J. and Alice (Smith) Olson. Duane joined a family of two older brothers, Gene and Wilbur and an older sister Darlene and later a younger brother Robert and younger sister Shirley.
Duane attended Cleveland Township grade school near Pukwana. He then attended two years of high school at Pukwana before graduating from Chamberlain High School. Duane loved baseball and played for the Pukwana Kings and Chamberlain baseball teams. He was known as the famous left handed pitcher. He played during high school and after he returned from the Army. Duane was also a golden gloves boxer.
Duane decided to forgo a minor league baseball career to serve his country. Shortly after graduation Duane joined the United States Army during World War II. He served at Ft. Riley in Kansas, before being stationed in Texas. While in Texas during a training drill, a bayonet was run through his left ring finger. His final duty station was at Fort Andrews located at Peddocks Island near Boston, Massachusetts. He was part of the horse riding unit for the Army and was one of the best skilled riders in the unit. It was there he met the loved of his life Dorothy Joan Silva. They spent his days off teaching Dottie to ride a horse on the sand along the beach at Peddocks Island.
After completing his service duty, Duane and Dottie were united in marriage at Cambridge, Massachusetts on November 6, 1949, and to this union were born three daughters Deborah, Diane and Donna. They moved back to South Dakota and lived on the Olson Ranch near Chamberlain for a few months. From there they moved to Midland, South Dakota, where they ranched for over 30 years. Duane took great pride in this ranch and whenever someone came to visit he had to take them for a drive to look over the place and his cattle.
In 1987, Duane and Dottie moved to Kadoka where he purchased and took over the George Olson ranch south of Kadoka. Duane ran this place until health issues in May of 2005. Duane was a resident at Philip Nursing Home upon his death.
Duane is survived by his three daughters and their families, Deborah and Mitch Olney and their children Duane, Rebecca, Chase and Kevin; Diane Huber and her husband Scott and their daughter Fallon; and Donna Enders and her husband Chuck and their children Amanda, Wyatt and Dustin Enders, all of Kadoka; three great-grandchildren Aspen, Dane and Jaedyn; one brother Gene Olson and his wife Alice of Oacoma, South Dakota; a sister-in-law Olivia Hayes of Hookset, New Hampshire; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Joan “Dottie” Olson on June 19, 2005; his parents Carl and Alice Olson; his brothers Wilbur and Robert Olson; and two sisters Darlene Dozark and Shirley Schmidt.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 26, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Tuesday.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.
Interment with military honors was at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 156, Kadoka, SD 57543.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Bryan Sorensen

MUSIC
Marlis Doud - Pianist
Vocalists
Dale & Gene Christianson
“How Great Thou Art”
“The Old Rugged Cross”

USHERS
Greg Olson - Terry Olson

PALLBEARERS
Mitch Olney - Chase Olney
Duane Olney - Kevin Olney
Scott Huber - Chuck Enders
Wyatt Enders - Dustin Enders

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 26, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Interment with Military Honors: Kadoka Cemetery.

Sign the guestbook

Dear Diane, Debbie, Donna and families,
I am deeply saddened at this news and especially at this time of year.
I truly enjoyed this good 'ol cowboy and his sense of humor. But, what endeared him to me was when your mom was passing, he would wheel up to her bedside and search for her hand, under the covers and hold it close to him.
You are the 3 best daughters any man could hope for!
Praying for deep-seated comfort for all of you. ~ Rebecca Williams Philip (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane, & Donna,
So very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. No matter how long we have them, it never seems to be long enough. Cherish your memories, they will bring comfort to you. Love and prayers,
Rita ~ Rita Anker Murdo (12/21/2011)
Dear family,
We are very sorry to hear of Duane's death. We know that you will miss him. May the hope of the resurrection be your hope. ~ Gary and Ruth McCubbin Kadoka, SD (12/21/2011)
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It is a very difficult time, but remember the good memories. ~ Mary Jo Jones & Mike Stroppel Midland, SD (12/21/2011)
Donna,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, your families are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Carrie & Brad Derschan Lemmon, SD (12/21/2011)
So sorry to hear about Duane. We have so many good memories of our time spent with Dottie & Duane. Those were the good times. It is a hard time to try & get through the holidays with cheerfulness, but Duane is happy now, back with his beloved, Dottie. May the good memories sustain you. Love & prayers ~ Ronnie & Emily Sammons Midland (12/21/2011)
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It is hard to lose a parent. May God send all of you the strength to accept this. May the Lord's Christmas Blessings be with all of you. ~ Gene & Audrey Jones Midland (12/21/2011)
Diane and Scott, so sorry we didn't know about your father when we visited with you today. Our sympathy to you and all your family. It's always hard to say goodbye to a loved one, and even more so at Christmas. ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview Rd. (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane & Donna,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families at this very difficult time. Cherish the memories. ~ Randy & Holly Nemec Midland (12/21/2011)
Dear Family~
I have always enjoyed Duane. I remember him growing up, but have gotten to see him more in the last few years since we moved to Philip. We spent lots of time visiting/helping at the Nursing home. He especially loved kids. I had a fussy little one when we were there one day and he said, "set that little guy on my lap, I'll fix him" so without a second thought I did!! He loved and hugged (on her) and before long she was giggling!! It puts a smile on my face to remember that time, he wasn't to into the art project anyway!
I would always take the daycare kids there when it was trick or treating time.....I loved to hear the kids say, "chell that guy is eating all of his candy!" and that he was.....empty wrappers all over the floor and his bucket, but a BIG smile on his face!
Although I knew him, I didn't know his history,what a great legacy he left for his family!
I will miss seeing him on my weekends working at the Nursing home.
May you find comfort in the memories and may God comfort you in this time.
Hugs and prayers
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas ~ Michelle (Vander May) Butler Philip SD (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane & Donna,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. No matter how long we have them, it never is quite long enough. Cherish your memories, they will bring you comfort. Love and prayers.
Rita & Monte ~ Rita Anker Murdo (12/21/2011)
Greetings and Gods blessings to the family. Had a lot of visits with Duane trading cars. It was always an experience and fun.
~ Dave Geisler Murdo (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane, Donna and families,
Our prayers and Sympathy to you all. Your folks have left you with lots of fun times and memories to cherish forever. You have another special angel looking over you now during the Christmas holidays. ~ Jack & LaVona Kirkpatrick Midland,SD (12/21/2011)
Sincere sympathy for you and your family. He was such a nice kind neighbor ~ Janie Whidby Mazatlan,mx (12/21/2011)
So sorry to hear of the death of your Dad! We have many memories of Duane and Dottie on the ranch near Capa! They were good neighbors and missed them lots! Think of all the good times! It always seems to help! He is with Dottie now and the the Lord! They will welcoming him home with loving arms! he will always be l;ooking out for you even when you can't see him. God Blessings to you all!!
~ Gary and Jody Block Midland, SD (12/21/2011)
Deb, Donna and Diane ~ Heather and I just want you all to know how sad we were to hear of your dads passing. Just know you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead! Because I know it is never easy to say goodbye! ~ Judy Goldhammer Wall SD (12/21/2011)
Donna & Chuck,
Remember the good times, It will help you through the difficult times! May God Bless your family.
~ Jackie Maude Hermosa, SD (12/21/2011)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose a parent. I will be thinking of you and praying for you. I wish you a lifetime of happy memories. Love to you all. Kathy ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (12/21/2011)
Diane.....I am so sorry to hear of you loss, Duane was an amazing man and will be remembered by all who knew him. When i worked at the nursing home he always made me smile... God Bless you and your family i am thinking of you all. ~ Krystal Noteboom winner sd (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane, Donna & Families,
I'm thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy. I have great memories of your Dad and all the fun we had in our dancing days. His eyes always had that special twinkle that made us feel good. This is a sad time, but these warm memories bring a smile. Love you all. ~ Pat Snook Midland, SD (12/21/2011)
We have many good memories of times with Duane and Dottie! The New Years Day gatherings at their home and you kids and our kids doing fun things together. As I read the obituary I couldn't help but think of how a person can know someone for many years and yet not know many parts of that persons life. I like picturing Duane and Dottie off on a carefree ride on the sands of Peddocks Island. What a joyous reunion as Duane is once again with Dottie, the love of his life! Cherish the good memories! Our sympathy and prayers!
Jerry and Sonia ~ Jerry & Sonia Nemec Midland, SD (12/21/2011)
It's never easy to lose a parent - thinking of all of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! ~ Michelle and Cam Meinzer Midland, SD (12/21/2011)
So sorry for the loss of your father! Keeping him and all your family in our prayers.
Scott,Mary,Eleanor,April and Otis ~ Scot Perkins Family Interior,SD (12/21/2011)
I am so sorry for your loss. My mother has many wonderful memories of Uncle Duane. May you take comfort in the good memories you have. Love,
Paula ~ Paula Wilson Hooksett, NH (12/21/2011)
Debbie,Diane,Donna & Family
My Deepest Sympathy to you. May the memories of good times be with you thru out your life. I know I have many good memories of him and the good times Uncle Ray and I shared thru out our lives with him and your mother, the last being our trip to New Mexico.
I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you all but please know my thoughts and prayers have been with you. Knowing that he is now with you mother should give us all some consolation although he will be greatly missed.
My love to you all. Aunt Olivia
~ Olivia Hayes Hooksett, New Hampshire (12/21/2011)
Debbie, Diane & Donna
My deepest sympathy to you guys. It is never easy to lose a parent I still miss my dad everyday. I have some great memeories of Uncle Duane especially riding in that old pick up truck. Please take comfort in the memories of him and know that he is now at peace and with you mom.

Love
Charlene ~ Charlene Hayes 770 Dix St (12/21/2011)
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your family. Your dad was a kick in the rear to take care of. He will be missed. You and your family are in my prayers. ~ Jay and Tabatha Calhoon Wall (12/21/2011)
Deb, Donna, Diane and family...So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Know that he is at peace and the lord is watching and prayer be with you all. ~ Kristi (Spears) Stevahn Creswell, Oregon (12/21/2011)
Donna, Diane, and Debbie...the movie was very moving. Thank you for that. I hope the new year brings your families peace and comfort. Christina ~ Christina Z. Tinian (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane and Donna - how I wish I could write a big "D" followed by lines that said "eb, iane, onna". Remember how your Mom used to sigh her Christmas cards? I'm so sad to hear about your dad, but am also glad that he at last re-united with the love of his life. The last time I visited with him, he recognized me and we had a nice chat. I admired your mom's wedding picture (it was always so magical to me) and he said "she'll be back in a minute." I have so many nice memories of both your mom and dad, and the wonderful times our families had together - holidays, birthdays, and just plain old visiting our neighbors. I loved reading about your dad in the obituary - it's amazing the things he did that none of us knew about. You all were blessed to have had him as a dad (and Dottie as a mom). Love, Lavonne & Jim ~ Lavonne Blucher-Namey jimnvon@sbcglobal.net (12/21/2011)
Deb, Diane, Donna & Families,
Was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. He was a special man. I have fond memories of working with him at the ranch and visiting with him at the nursing home. Know that he is still watching over you and is a peace. Cherish the wonderful memories.
Charlie ~ Charlie Vollmer Tacoma, WA (12/21/2011)
My prayers are with you all. ~ Beth Glynn 123 Wedgewood Dr Rapid City, SD 57702 (12/21/2011)