On December 1st, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, Don Olson was welcomed tenderly into the arms of Jesus after a very brief but fierce battle with metastatic melanoma. For those of us who shared in his final moments, there was a deep, quiet joy in knowing Don was no longer suffering and was going to be reunited with Bonnie, LeRoy, and Jerry, his beloved sister and brothers. The thought of him being wrapped in the embrace of his parents and siblings he missed so profoundly brought comfort to our hearts as we said goodbye and they said hello.
Born August 24th, 1950, in Crivitz, WI, he was the strapping son of LeRoy and Imogene Olson. They were a hard-working farming and logging family. Don was so proud to take over the responsibility of running the family farm at the age of just 13 when his own dad’s health declined. How he found time to meet and woo a young woman is a mystery, but if you knew Don, he could be quite persistent. Within a few months of meeting, Don fell helplessly in love with Elaine Jicha and they exchanged vows on September 19th, 1968. By age 29, Don had built a home, added three children to the family, and was running his own successful logging business. Don wore many hats in his lifetime, literally and figuratively. In addition to operating his logging business for over 50 years, he also ran a marina and helped families as a financial representative.
But life wasn’t always about work. Don LOVED fun, and Don LOVED people. Life with Don included time spent with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, family trips, bowling, softball, golf, pool and darts, dancing, sailing, fishing, endless dad jokes, supper clubs, and truck stops. No matter where he went—he knew somebody there.
Don lived much of his life with God close by, though he didn’t fully recognize it until later in life. After surrendering his life to the Lord, his faith became the defining passion of his life. He shared the love of Jesus with anyone who would listen (and those who wouldn’t too).
At age 50, Don taught himself to play guitar and it changed everything. His guitar became his testimony. Each chord became a form of praise. Worship was his comfort, his joy, and his constant in both ordinary days and the difficult ones. He played with the gospel band, Voices of Peace, and founded a monthly gospel jam that has been running for 13 years. He was humbled by the turnout each month, knowing it all brought glory to God.
Don leaves behind a legacy of redemption, joy, and bold faith—one that will continue to echo through the stories he told, the songs he sang, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, yet we rejoice in knowing he is now whole, healed, and home.
Even in his final moments, he clung to his faith, leaning into the presence and peace of the Savior he loved so deeply.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine; children, Brenda Olson, Cheryl (Lance) Tibbs, Adam (Jeni) Olson, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, countless nephews, nieces, close family members and friends, and his four-legged companion, Timber.
Service Info: Visitation will be on Saturday, December 6th at Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Athelstane from 9-11 AM, followed directly by a celebration of life service and luncheon. Please consider parking along the road to reserve the church parking lot for elderly guests or those with limited mobility.
