Arthur "Art" Olsen, age 90, of Hitchcock, died Sunday, October 15, 2017, at his home surrounded by family. His funeral service was held at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 20th, at the Hitchcock United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be given to Art's favorite charity.
Arthur Earl Olsen was born August 30, 1927, to Jens and Oda (Mellerup) Olsen (formerly of Denmark) at his parent's home at Hitchcock, South Dakota. He graduated in 1944 with his brother, James E. Olsen, from Hitchcock High School at the age of 16.
All three brothers were gifted with music. Art played trumpet starting in the 4th grade. He played "taps" for many years to assist the Raymond Hart Legion Post of Hitchcock. He enjoyed singing and playing in the band, from school on to Huron Municipal Band and also with several dance bands.
He was offered a position at one of the top nightclubs in Chicago, but chose to remain in Hitchcock to work with his father, Jens, at Olsen Implement/Olsen farms as his brothers were both gone off to war at the time.
On May 27, 1957, Art married Annette "Anne" Mortimer at Gregory, South Dakota. They had over 60 years of life experiences and love. They enjoyed life with their children, Louis, Jane and David. Together they attended their children's school activities, farmed, hunted, enjoyed playing music and singing in the church choir.
Art was a member of the Zenith Masonic Lodge #202 at Tulare. He was a Past Master, and active 60 year member who held many offices. Art brought in many members including his sons, Lou and Dave. Art a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Oasis #148 of Tulare and served as a Past Patron, where he initiated his daughter, Jane.
He also enjoyed many groups of the Yelduz Shrine. Art was a member of the James Valley Shrine Club and their motor corps. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who participated in cycle competitions, winning often. In 1985, Art served as the President of the Midwest Motor Corp. He served as President of James Valley Shrine Club and was the Shrine Circus chairman for eight years working with merchants and schools in 24 towns. But clowning as "Lucky" was his most rewarding experience with the Shrine.
After his farming years, Art was employed at Aberdeen Grain Inspections for 10 years. He inspected grain train cars in eastern South Dakota.
As a child, Art participated in Boy Scouts. Later, he was the adult leader for the Hitchcock Troop. He helped his "special guys" learn and pass Morse code with a game he invented to make it easier to earn the badge. There were many eventful memories from the scouting years, but the canoe derby and the boundary water trip were his favorites. Art was active in the Tomahawk Scout District, leading many roundtable meetings with other leaders.
Always an avid sportsman and conversationalist, his love of hunting game including gophers, deer, pheasant and ducks (until he could no longer gift them away) was passed on to his family. Art enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and sharing his passions with others.
Grateful for having shared in his life on the farm are his wife, Anne; children, Louis Olsen, Jane Keller and David Olsen (Amy Crane, Kassie & Kelcie); and grandchildren, Dane Keller (Abby Raveling & Olivia) and Kasen Keller (Jacob Anderson).
Art is survived by son, Steven Olsen (Alice); grandchildren, Tammy (Kurt), Heather, Sarah (Eric) and Steven (Rebecca); and great-grandchildren, Alex, Emma, Josiah, Willow, Lucas, Catlyn, Elijah, Isaiah, Steven and Abigail; and son, Kenneth Olsen (Carol); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Hannah, Rachel (Travis Halsey), John, Joanna, Michael and Matthias; and great-granddaughter, Lydia.
He is also survived by his brother-law, Jim Mortimer; nieces; nephews; and many life-long friends.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, and both brothers, Nels E. Olsen (Dorothy) and James E. Olsen (Darlene).