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Edwin "Ed" Olson

Edwin "Ed" Olson


Dates

August 1, 1947 - July 15, 2023

Obituary

Long-time educator and state legislator, Ed Olson, age 75, of Mitchell, SD, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 15, 2023, from heart complications at the Avera Heart Hospital/North Central Heart Institute in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 21, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service.

Edwin Walter Olson Jr. was born on August 1, 1947 in New York, New York to Edwin and Virginia (McCleary) Olson and spent his childhood there. After graduating from high school, he moved to South Dakota to attend Dakota Wesleyan University where he studied education. He accepted his first teaching position in Parkston in 1970. Then later coached, taught, and was a principal in the Mitchell School District until 1999.

Following his successful career in education, Ed joined the Prehistoric Indian Village and later, Avera Queen of Peace, where he served as its first foundation director. He retired with a variety of consulting work and letters to the editor.

A major part of his life’s work included being a State Legislator where he was elected and served on both the House of Representatives (1987-1994) and the Senate (2000-2008), serving on education and healthcare committees. He enjoyed a good debate and diversity of thought.

Ed was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  In recent years he enjoyed spending time with family; always having a candy jar full and lap space for the grandkids, working on crosswords,  attempting to beat Diane at Cribbage, and watching any kind of sporting event in his favorite recliner.

Forever grateful for sharing their lives with Ed are his loved ones. Survivors include, Diane, his wife of 40 years; his children and their families: Jeff Olson (Jennifer Conway), Libby Olson (Mike Blaalid), and Andrew Olson (Rachel); six grandchildren: Oliver Blaalid, Hazel Blaalid, Thea Blaalid, James Olson, August Blaalid, and Raven Olson; siblings, Deb Olson and Jeff Olson; stepmother Sona Olson; 14 nieces and nephews and numerous other close family and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents.


Visitation(s)

Date
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
6:30 Prayer Service

Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Friday, July 21, 2023
Time
10:30 AM
Location
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
214 W 3rd Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301


Posted by Phyllis Simpson as well on August 1, 2023
& S"o sorry to learn Of Ed passing- what a great guy . He taught my kids at Longfellow school & I worked with him while I was the school nurse there & at Litchfield school. He was so well liked by students & teachers. My sympathy to nis family. Rest in Peace my friend
Posted by Kevin Culhane on July 30, 2023
Deeply sadden by the passing of Ed. Diane my deepest sympathies for you and your family. He was a giant among men an educator, statesman, father, grandfather and friend. Always a smile on his face when I had the opportunity to run into him at the Scoreboard. Rest in peace Ed you will be missed by many..
Posted by Loren Adema on July 25, 2023
My deepest sympathies go out to the family! Mr O was also my 6th grade teacher at Longfellow. I did get to talk to him here and there over the years. Always willing to take time to talk. Rest in peace my friend.
Posted by Lynn and Ronda Barta, McKinney,Tx on July 23, 2023
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Ed Olson family.....Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all 🙏
Posted by Sondra Brane on July 23, 2023
Coach Olson was my tennis coach for four years. He made sure that we always had fun and didn’t take tennis too seriously. Years later, on one of my trips home, he gave me and my mom a personal tour of the Prehistoric Village. Every time he saw my dad, he asked about me. That’s the kind of guy he was. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Posted by Gail Mortensen (Korfiatis) on July 22, 2023
Mr.Olson. was my 6th grade teacher. I got my first set of bifocals in the 6th grade. I was falling up and down the stairs at school. Mr. Olson took me aside...."Gail...this is how you group and down stairs in bifocals. " He showed me how to negotiate stairs in bifocals. A great teacher and wonderful human being. God bless you Mr. Olson.
Posted by Frank Kloucek on July 21, 2023
Senator Ed Olsen ranks up there with Rod Hall, George Shanard and Mel Olson as one of the premier orators in the South Dakota Senate from the Mitchell area. He will be missed.
Retired Senator Frank Kloucek Scotland SD
Posted by Ralph Olawsky on July 21, 2023
I worked with Ed as part of a state/federal leadership in education program. It was obvious that Ed already had so many of the best leadership qualities, and it was also obvious how highly respected he was among his peer school administrators! His excellence stood out and I have great memories of his passion about being a school leader.
Posted by Bill and Sue Peterson on July 21, 2023
Sue and I were shocked to learn the news of Ed's passing. We truly enjoyed getting to know Ed, Diane and Ed's family during the time that we served together in the legislature. Ed was a wonderful man and a good and thoughtful legislator. He contributed much to South Dakota and he will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathies to all of Ed's family.
Posted by Dennis Dix on July 21, 2023
Diane,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember the humor and great times with you and Ed. He was a great colleague! Keep the faith.
Posted by Eric Asmus on July 20, 2023
To this day, I still tell the story to my children of the time Nate Anderson and I challenged Mr. Olson to a multiplication flash card match for all of 4th grade to witness at Litchfield. All 4th graders packed into 1 room, and Nate and I alternated. Mr. Olson's booming voice beat us by 1 point. (I also happened to be in Diane's class the year she won teacher of the year, and I played tennis with Jeff.) My condolences to the family, as he will be missed.
Posted by Michelle Nuss on July 20, 2023
Dear Family of Edwin Walter Olson Jr.,
I send you my deepest sympathy. I hope it helps to hear God has Edwin safely wrapped up in His arms. He and the Lord love you. They wait for you in Heaven until your time.
Posted by Becky Roth on July 20, 2023
Dear Diane and family-Extremely sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. May you treasure all the beautiful ways he has impacted this entire community. We marvel at his legacy!
Posted by Jeff & Bridget Steckelberg on July 20, 2023
Our sympathy to the Olson Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Posted by Greg Boris on July 20, 2023
It was a pleasure working with Ed over the years on things that would benefit children. He was a strong advocate for those in need. I hold him in my heart
Posted by Wade and Karen Pogany on July 20, 2023
You are in our thoughts and prayers Diane. May God bless and comfort you and your family.♥️
Posted by Vicky Herrick on July 19, 2023
Hugs and prayers to all of you 🙏🙏
Posted by Jon Michael on July 19, 2023
Dear Olsons, I'm so grateful to have had Uncle Eddie in my life. I have so many fond memories and stories I've shared with my children, but also such a positive role model to me personally growing up and friend to our family too. He will be missed, but he had such a great life to celebrate too. You all take good care of each other. Our hearts are with you. Love Jon
Posted by Kim Young on July 19, 2023
So sorry to hear this! He was a great principal and family friend. Ed you will definitely be missed!
Posted by Pam Roberts on July 19, 2023
Ed was a wonderful legislator and all around good guy. I enjoyed working with him in PIERRE. Condolences to his family.
Posted by Aaron Barta on July 19, 2023
Diane,

My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Regards,

Aaron
Posted by Jeremy Kulp on July 19, 2023
My sincere sympathy goes out to the Olson Family.
Posted by Jackie Dusseau-Beilke on July 19, 2023
Sending condolences to Diane and family. Had Mr. Olson as a long term sub for Mrs. Karen Grinager at Longfellow. He was a very dynamic & memorable teacher and I really liked him. What stood out is that on our last day at Longfellow as graduating 6th graders — he came back to celebrate with us.

He has served students, community, and state and leaves a great legacy. Thank you, Mr. Olson.
Posted by Sherri Patzer on July 19, 2023
I got to know Ed while working at the Avera Queen of Peace Foundation. He was a very supportive colleague. I'll never forget when he got Village People T-shirts for us to wear at the Cher/Village People concert in Sioux Falls. Sending my prayers to Diane and family. Diane was my daughter's teacher and we know Jeffrey through our business. God bless!
Posted by Phyllis Johnson on July 19, 2023
Sending my condolences to the Olson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I worked with both Ed and Diane during the Longfellow days.
Posted by Susan Tjarks on July 19, 2023
Ed will never be forgotten! He spent his life making the world a better place! I’m honored to have called him my friend!! My kids adored him and our whole family is grateful for his constant leadership and service in our community and state. Diane! We are thinking of you and your family so much and sending all our love and sympathies!!
Posted by Jordan (Detzer) and Gail (Stechmann) Dawn on July 18, 2023
Deb, Jeff, Diane and family. Through the Olson clan we got to share in some fun and interesting times with Ed. His legacy will live on.
Posted by Laurie ensz on July 18, 2023
So sorry to hear about Ed’s passing! Sending thoughts and prayers to your family!
Posted by Donna DeNure on July 18, 2023
My sympathy to the entire Olson family. May your memories bring you comfort, peace and smiles in the days ahead.
Posted by Shawn T. Kirby on July 18, 2023
I had Mr. Ed Olson in 6th Grade, Longfellow 1974~1975??
Great teacher, great role model, great man... Thank you Mr. Olson.
Posted by Ella Loon on July 18, 2023
Diane and family:‘ I am so sorry for your loss of this great man. He was a strong figure in the Republicans Party and so helpful to me when I served as Davison
Countu chairwoman!!
Posted by Debbie Swanson on July 18, 2023
Diane and family, I am so sorry for your loss! My heart and prayers are with all of you! Lots of love, Debbie
Posted by Amy Huether on July 18, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your dear family’s loss. I know what a wonderful person you are and through you I know the world was blessed to have a special man like your husband in it. I will be praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Posted by Amy Huether on July 18, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your dear family’s loss. I know what a wonderful person you are and through you I know the world was blessed to have a special man like your husband in it. I will be praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Posted by Amy Huether on July 18, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your dear family’s loss. I know what a wonderful person you are and through you I know the world was blessed to have a special man like your husband in it. I will be praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Posted by Amy Huether on July 18, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your dear family’s loss. I know what a wonderful person you are and through you I know the world was blessed to have a special man like your husband in it. I will be praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Posted by Amy Huether on July 18, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your dear family’s loss. I know what a wonderful person you are and through you I know the world was blessed to have a special man like your husband in it. I will be praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Posted by Amy Huether on July 18, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your dear family’s loss. I know what a wonderful person you are and through you I know the world was blessed to have a special man like your husband in it. I will be praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Posted by Laura Long Fosness on July 18, 2023
Oh Coach!!!
I write this thinking of wonderful memories of a great teacher and Coach to myself and many others..
He will be missed …
Rest In Peace Coach
Posted by Sheryl Larson on July 18, 2023
Diane and Family, My sympathy for your loss. I'll be holding you close in my thoughts.
Posted by Keith & Jodi Reiners on July 18, 2023
Sending our sympathy and prayers to the Olson family. May the love of your friends and family help you through the days ahead.
Posted by Larry Wegehaupt on July 18, 2023
My condolences to you, Jeff and Deb.
Posted by Emily Bickett on July 18, 2023
Prayers to all. Ed was a great principal. And he has great kids. He will be long remembered for his leadership. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Hollie Karber on July 18, 2023
Ed was a Great Guy! I am so sorry for your loss!
Posted by Steve Erpenbach on July 18, 2023
Mr. Olson was an influential figure in my early years. He was my 6th grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary (first male classroom teacher for me) and then tennis coach through high school. While I underperformed in the classroom and on the tennis courts, it was despite Mr. Olson's best efforts. He was a larger-than-life figure at Longfellow. Tall -- but not imposing -- to elementary kids. He had a great wit. As a teacher and coach, he made you feel like his favorite. My only regret is not making a concerted effort to stay in touch better over the years. I won't forget him.
Posted by Joshua and Stephanie Harvey on July 18, 2023
We are saddened to hear the loss of Ed. Our condolences to the family and friends. Sending prayer to the family.
Posted by Bob Duffett on July 18, 2023
I have deep respect for Ed as an educator and politician. As a key leader of the Mainstream Coalition, he among others, sought to find common political ground among Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

In addition, as a South Dakota Senator,he was an early advocate of state funded scholarships for South Dakota students who attended South Dakota private, regental and tech colleges.

Connie and I consider him a friend. We mourn with Diane and his family and the scores of Dakota Wesleyan University alumni who claim Ed as a friend. Bob&Connie Duffett
Posted by Tom Mackey on July 18, 2023
Eddie will be missed, he always had a big smile and something positive to say. We played on a volleyball team together, he always made it fun.
Posted by Lynn Metcalf on July 18, 2023
My sympathies to the entire Olson family. Ed was a great guy who will he missed by many.
Posted by Carol Shannon on July 18, 2023
He was the principal at my children's school many years ago. He was so great at that job and the children thought a lot of him. So sorry for the family's loss. My sincere condolences.
Posted by Paul Carlson on July 18, 2023
Mr. Olson was my 6th grade teacher (and the best teacher ever). In high school, he was my tennis coach and a few years later, we worked together teaching tennis for the city Parks & Rec Department. He infused everything he did with flavor, and it was always clear that he was enjoying himself with whatever he decided to do. Rest in peace, my good man.
Posted by Amy & Jerry Opbroek on July 18, 2023
We have many good memories of Ed, as a co-worker and friend. I remember when he came to Kathy's 5th-grade graduation party, (1985) he was one of her and Adam's favorite teachers. Our sympathy to you, Diane, and all your family.
Posted by Janice Johnson on July 17, 2023
Our sympathy to the Olson Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Posted by Pat Cassutt on July 17, 2023
Prayers to you Diane, your children and family. 💙🙏💙
Posted by Doug Kusel ‘70 on July 17, 2023
Ed always said hello to me, even after all the years. I remember when he worked at Eddie’s Mobile back when we were both attending DWU. Just an all around great guy! God blessings to all!
Posted by Charolette Peterson on July 17, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
Posted by Mary Wilson on July 17, 2023
You are in my prayers. May Gd grant you peace and comfort.
Posted by Jackie Christiansen (Clark) on July 17, 2023
REST IN PEACE ED. DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE FAMILY
Posted by Barbara Saxton Duffey on July 17, 2023
Much sympathy to you and your family, Deb.
Posted by Charlie and Darlene Bailey on July 17, 2023
Prayers to the family for your loss Rest in Peace Ed my friend
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