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Mitch Olneyof Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, August 24, 2021
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Mitchell Doyle Olney was born November 17, 1955 to Richard (Bud) and Norma (Slater) Olney. Mitch was the fifth child of ten children. Mitch was raised in Kadoka and attended all 12 years of school at Kadoka School and graduated in 1975. Mitch met his wife Deb Olson of Midland, SD when she asked him to break her horse. Mitch and Deb got married on July 8th, 1978 and to this union were born four children: Duane (Rocky Beans), Rebecca (Petunia Rose), Chase and Kevin.
Growing up Mitch found his passion for horses, hunting and trapping. He once commented that his favorite present he ever received from his mother, Norma, was a book about hunting and trapping which included pictures of footprints of every trappable animal. Even though this happened in the early fall, he thought it was the greatest early Christmas present he had ever received. Some of his best childhood memories were the times he spent at the Pettyjohn Ranch and hunting Pass Creek on the George Olson Ranch. His love for training horses evolved when he lived with his Uncle CD and Aunt Caroline Uhlir (and family). He spent all of his free time breaking and training horses; he and his cousins caused a lot of mischief horse racing on the ranch. Through his high school rodeo years Ralph and Diana Porch (and kids) became very important and lifelong friends.
One of Mitch’s memorable accomplishments during his high school years was during his junior year when Mitch and Rick Dennis won the state high school rodeo finals in New Underwood. They went on to participate at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Ogden, Utah where they finished 3rd. He also had a love for the game of basketball that he shared with his younger sister Lori, who he taught to play.
The summer after graduating high school, he attended Roy Yates Horse Training School near Piedmont, SD. His love and passion for horses was evident in how well his horses turned out.
Mitch was a proud father, who passed his love for being a cowboy onto his children. He started teaching them how to ride before they could walk. His strong work ethic is one of the many qualities he instilled in his children; as well as one of the many things they will remember him for.
Of all the things Mitch loved in his life, his grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. He was their biggest fan, and never missed a chance to tell “grandpa’s little sweethearts” how much he loved them and how proud he was. You could often find Mitch wrestling on the floor with his grandkids, cuddled on the couch with them or sneaking them sweets. Among his favorite things to do with his grandchildren were watching Dane and Jerrett motocross racing; bringing Jaedyn to grain her horse, Aries; getting his nails painted by Riley; going fishing with Xander; giving Marley lots of smooches; and spending time getting to know his four new grandchildren Felix, October, Raven and Rilee.
Anybody fortunate enough to know Mitch will remember him as somebody who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was never short on smiles, jokes, or a strong hand wave when he drove by. Mitch will be deeply missed by all that are blessed enough to know and love him.
Survived by his wife Deb Olney of Kadoka; four children; Duane Olney and his wife Lisa of Jasper, Missouri, and their children Felix, October, Raven and Rilee; Becky Olney and Milo of Big Piney, Wyoming, and their children Dane, Riley, and Jerrett; Chase Olney of Kadoka; and Kevin Olney and Makenzie of Harrisburg, South Dakota, and their children Xander and Marley; three brothers Mike Olney of Kadoka, Matt (Deb) Olney of Munford, TN, and Meade (Rose) Olney of Seattle, WA; five sisters Linda Jablinske of Lynwood, WA, Darcy Gill of Avon, Darla (Steve) Schueth of Boulder, CO, Lori (Ann) Olney of Sioux Falls, and Colleen (Rich) Hildebrand of Kadoka; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mitch was preceded in death by his parents Bud and Norma, his granddaughter Jaedyn Marie, an infant sister Anne Corrine, and Brother-in-laws Mike Jablinske and Keith Gill.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 249 Kadoka, SD 57543.
VISITATION
Monday, August 30, 2021 - 5-7 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
PRAYER SERVICE
Monday, August 30, 2021 - 7:00 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 - 10:30 a.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Gus Craven
USHERS
Chris Uhlir - Cam Uhlir - Cory Uhlir
PALLBEARERS
Shaun Porch - Shayne Porch
Seth Gill - Brian Gill
Brad Larson - Zane Pettyjohn