Richard Elmer Olson

Richard Elmer Olson Richard was born April 26, 1928 to Joseph C. and Fern Amy (Hampton) Olson in Moscow, Idaho, and passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on February 13, 2021 in Minnetonka, Minnesota at the age of 92. Richard spent his early years in Moscow, Idaho. His family moved to Spokane, Washington in 1941, where the family was members of Central Lutheran Church. Richard graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1946. After high school, Richard (or “Dick” as he was known to family and friends) traveled across the country to Northfield, Minnesota, to study economics at Saint Olaf College. It was there he met the love of his life Grace Jothen. Dick graduated in 1950 and moved home to Spokane for a year while Grace finished her college career. He often boasted he wrote Grace every day of that long year! Dick and Grace were married on June 8, 1951. After their wedding, the happy couple settled in Spokane. Dick started his career with Investors Diversified Services, Inc. (IDS), where he worked his entire career. While in Spokane, their three children were born: Tom, Elizabeth, and Janet In 1962 a promotion took the family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and in 1970 a dream was fulfilled. Dick was promoted to work at the home office in Minneapolis. Not only that, he earned a window office in the newly constructed IDS tower, a building his grandchildren would call “Papa’s building.” While in Minneapolis, Dick enjoyed his years of service at IDS and the years carpooling with the same group of men. His family was active members of Saint James Lutheran Church. Dick was a proud member of Saint James for over 50 years; he served on Church Councils, various call committees, and internship committees. A true and dedicated fan, Dick always cheered on the Twins and Vikings! He also enjoyed his golfing buddies from church and golfed until two years before his death. When they could not golf, they would gather at Perkins on Tuesday mornings for breakfast, a tradition that stopped only due to COVID. In retirement, Grace and Dick felt blessed to travel and, more importantly, to spend quality time with family and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his loving parents Joseph and Fern Olson; beloved wife Grace; sister and brother-in-law Jean and Lawrence Peterson; and brother-in-law Dexter Wallis. Dick is survived by his loving children, the Honorable Thomas (Sandra) Olson (Fargo, ND), Elizabeth (Rich) Kroschel (Hinckley, MN), and Janet (Dave) Olson (Minnetonka, MN). He is survived by 11 grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa”: Katie, Erika (Ryan), Joseph (Andrew), Ryan (Katie), Emily (Erik), Brian, Maggie (Eric), Jerilynd, Michael, Mikayla, and Madison. His legacy includes 11 great grandchildren: Isaac, Elliot, Sam, Ben, Charlie, Andy, Finley, Miles, Simon, Miles and Jack. Dick is also survived by his sister Donna Wallis (Fullerton, CA) as well as many nieces and nephews. -------------------- “Well done, good and faithful servant…” -------------------- On behalf of our entire family, we want to thank you for your love and support. We know how special he was to not only us, but to so many other people. There will be a private family service and an interment at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Richard’s children, Tom, Liz & Janet -------------------- In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Saint James Lutheran Church (Crystal, MN) Memorial Fund or Methodist Hospital Hospice Fund of the HealthPartners Park Nicollet Foundation. Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck Johnson 952-938-9020

Tributes

Richard Elmer Olson

April 26, 1928 - February 13, 2021

Tributes

Richard Elmer Olson

April 26, 1928 - February 13, 2021

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