Donnie LeRoy Olson, age 87, of Huron and formerly of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in his own home.

Honoring our father's wishes, there will be no service.

Donnie LeRoy Olson was born on the family farm outside of Summit, South Dakota, on April 1, 1936, to Oscar and Charlotte (Selke) Olson, where he joined his two sisters, Elaine and Mavis. He told many tales of what life back then was like, which was quite entertaining to his present-day family. He graduated from Summit High School in 1954.

On March 3, 1955, Donnie married Janice Mitchell at Milbank, South Dakota. To this union, five children were born, Kevin, Julie, LeAnn, Tami and Jamie. After many happy years together, they went their separate ways and later divorced.

Later on, Donnie met Judy Lauseng and her daughter, Leah. They enjoyed time trail riding, camping and fishing.

After retiring, he worked at Memorial Park at Lake Kampeska as a groundskeeper. He enjoyed his many hours on the lawn mower and took pride in keeping the park ready for the visitors he met.

Donnie also enjoyed wood working and made many pieces for his family that will always be treasured.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his children, Kevin Olson of West River, South Dakota, Julie (Jon) Wipf of Loveland, Colorado, LeAnn (Bill) Ford of Huron, Tami (Donny) Miner of Cavour, Jamie Dunn of Watertown and Leah Lauseng of Florence.

He was especially close to his nieces, Cheryl and Wendy (Bob), but loved spending time with all of his nieces and nephews.

He was an incredible influence on his 13 grandchildren, Emily Olson of Sioux Falls, Adam (Jessica) Olson of Rapid City, Christian Wipf, Grace Wipf and David Wipf, all of Loveland, Colorado, Joe (Anna Quiram) Ford of Huron, Katie (Josh) Wilk of Huron, Ben (Shawn) Miner of Cavour, Jess (Mike) Gartner of Littleton, Colorado, Ashley Olsen of Watertown, Sam (Taylor) Dunn of Brandt, Ellen Dunn of Sioux Falls and Elizabeth Lauseng of Florence. He also enjoyed the time he spent with his 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Janice Bock, two sisters, Elaine Ward and Mavis Ruedebusch-Price; three brothers-in-law, Leon Ward, Stanley Ruedebusch and Jack Price; one son-in-law, Jonathon Wipf; two grandsons, Ben Miner and Christian Wipf; and one great-grandson, Jaden Olson.