Donald L. Olson

1926 - 2016

Donald L. Olson obituary, 1926-2016, New Brighton, MN

BORN

1926

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Funeral Home & Sunset Cemetery - Minneapolis

2250 St Anthony Boulevard NE

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Donald Olson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 30, 2016.

Donald L. Olson

Another WWII 10th Mountain Division veteran has gone to join his ski troop buddies who've blazed that trail before him. Donald L. Olson, New Brighton, MN, passed away on Monday, November 29, at his home at the age of 90.

Don attended Edison High School, enlisted in the army, and joined the ski troop training at Camp Hale, Colorado. From there he went to Camp Swift, Texas, for more training. The troops landed in Naples, Italy, and walked and climbed to/up/over mountains. They assaulted surprised Germans on Mt. Belvedere, by attacking at night. Troopers in front of and behind Don were hit. To this day, Don and his wife have kept in touch with Del Riley, the soldier in front of Don. The men in his squad became very close and remained friends all these years. George Nelson, also in the same squad, went on to develop Lutsen Ski Area. Don and Alice would drive up almost every fall to enjoy the area with George and his wife Patti.

After the war, Don studied Civil Engineering at the U of MN. Needing a class in design, he enrolled at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in an industrial arts program. That is where he met Alice, who was in a commercial art course. They became friends, sharing many interests. Don felt sorry for Alice because she wasn't married yet. The best thing he could do for her was to marry her. Alice's comment was, "we all know who got the best of this union." They were married in 1956 and had a son Eric in 1962.

Don was a hunter with shotgun, rifle and bow, loading his own rifle and shotgun shells and making his own arrows. Don trained 4 hunting dogs, a Chesapeake, 2 black labs and a springer. For years he was active in the MN Springer Spaniel Field Trial Club and did well with his springer. Don and Alice enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Kabetogama, camping or staying in a log cabin. That's how Eric developed keen interest in the art of catching walleyes.

Don was a civil engineer for the city of Minneapolis for 33 years. After retirement, he was a realtor for a number of years.

Don had promised one day that the family would take up skiing. So when Eric was about 7 and showing an interest in skiing (on a neighbor's small slope), they started their fun Saturday ski days at Trollhaugen Ski Area in WI. Alice took lessons from a ski instructor cousin and Eric became a member of the Blizzard Ski School. A number of years later, they explored becoming ski patrollers and trained and skied at Wild Mountain. Passing all the tests, they began patrolling in 1980. Don was president of the North Central Chapter of the 10th Mountain Division from 1989 to 1992.

Don is preceded in death by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. The family would like to give heartfelt thank you's to the wonderful palliative care and hospice nurses and attendants for the tender care given to Don.

Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd. NE, Minneapolis. on Tuesday, December 6. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with service at 11:00. Short military service at Fort Snelling will follow. Memorials can be sent to the 10th Mountain Division Foundation, Inc., at 133 S. Van Gordom St., Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80228.

SUNSET 612-789-3596 | www.sunsetfuneralservices.com

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December 7, 2016

David Squires

My first 'ski' with Don was actually on a snowboard while at Wild for some Region training. I always looked forward to seeing Don and Alice at events, catching up with what they had been up to since we last met. Hugs and prayers.

December 6, 2016

Nancy Huninghake

Hello- I met your father several times through the Tenth Mountain Association North Central Chapter of which my parents were members also. The 10th men were a close knit group and they shared many stories together. He was a warm and friendly man. My father, Jim Haining, passed away last year. While cleaning up his estate we came across several plaques that were to be given to family members of late 10th Mountaineers. One of those plaques is for Don's family. I would like to be able to get it to you. Please contact me to make arrangements . I am sorry for your loss. ([email protected])

December 3, 2016

Deb Endly

Don was a warm, caring soul who always looked for the best in everyone. I met Don through a group of City of Minneapolis employees who went skiing on Friday afternoons and he was one of the first to teach me to ski! I went on a ski trip to Colorado with this rowdy group and both Don and Alice would spend time with me on the smaller slopes even though I knew they both wanted to ski the longer runs. That is the kind of person he was, always thinking of what he could do for the other person. Don will be missed by all that he knew, he truly was one of a kind. It was always a special time when Don and I could go ski a run or two with our Patrol jackets on at Region events. He was a great mentor to all of the patrollers who had the honor and privilege to know him.

Posted by Deb Endly

December 1, 2016

Larry Schmidt

Don was always an inspiration for those of us "younger" and enthusiastic patrollers trying to live up to the high standards and ooutstanding example Don set for all of us. I feel blessed to have known such a wonderful person. I will take an extra run next time patrol in his honor!

December 1, 2016

Pat Tuttle

Don was a friend, mentor, and he and Alice were always there for us during Senior Training, and for every basic ski patrol test that I participated in. He will be sorely missed by all of us.

December 1, 2016

We had the privilege of knowing and working with Don and Alice through the Western Region Ski Patrol. Our involvement with them was mostly with Region Activities but we also considered them special friends. Don was the kind of ski patroller who set a very high standard and excellent example of what a ski patroller should strive to be. He was quiet, gentle, caring, soothing, led by example, always smiling, obviously loved patrolling and never in a big hurry that he didn't have time for everyone. We had some mighty fun times during our years connected to Don and Alice both. Hope that there is some great snow where you are now, Don. Jim and Audrey Sass, Lake City, MN.

December 1, 2016

Art Osvold

Don always seemed to be at the Region functions. Was always encouraging to those that were in training. He was a friend. I will miss this fiend. He was one of Minny reasons that I still Patrol today! God Bless to Family! Art Osvold ( Christie Mtn.) Stanley, Wis.

December 1, 2016

Audrey Friedman

Don will always be remembered for his graciousness and welcoming manner. May his family find solace in their memories and may his memory be for a blessing.

December 1, 2016

John Thomas

Sorry Alice I can not attend. The Division will make a Donation to the Division Education Fund In Dons name.

JT Central Division Director.

December 1, 2016

Oh when we were young and so active in the Western Region! I will always remember Don's smiling, welcoming face at every Wild Mt and Region event. He will never be forgotten.

Sue Gormley, Edina MN, Hyland Hills

December 1, 2016

Don was a great friend who helped me for many years with ski patrol training and testing. He was always there as a supporter and adviser. At times he kept me going. I will miss most his smile and wisdom. JoAnn Kuntemeier

December 1, 2016

Darrell Thurnbeck

Don and Alice made me feel very welcome when I joined the Wild Mtn Ski Patrol. I was fortunate to ski on his shift his remaining years on the Patrol. Even into his 70's and early 80's he was interested in improving his ski technique. We would get together to take part in instructor clinics and then in our spare time practice the exercises we learned. I couldn't have had a better mentor and friend. Miss you Don

December 1, 2016

Go with God Don and know we will look for the White Cross when we get to heaven. You have a legacy and the respect of us all you will be missed.
Ken Liddell (Maplewood MN)

December 1, 2016

Kerstin Hammarberg

When I joined the ski patrol, Don was one of my first WEC (now OEC) instructors. I was young and enthusiastic and he always encouraged me to be a better patroller. I achieved the rank of Certified and have never forgotten all that was done for me early in my patrol career. Every year seeing Don and getting a hug was always a highlight for me. The friendship and love are what I hold dear. Thank you for everything. Make some great turns!

December 1, 2016

Scott Stanley

Don was always excited to see everyone that came onto the patrol, and working with them. He was a great mentor to a lot of us. RIP Sir

December 1, 2016

Roger Johnson

Don was my standard for what it means to be a true gentleman. He was a quiet giant among his peers. To have had Don and Alice touch my life was a blessing I will always be thankful for. Don, you have earned your "turns" in the heavens. Alice and Eric, God's grace and love will support you in the days ahead. Roger Johnson, NSP member, "Alumni" as of 1/1/17

December 1, 2016

Howard Holz

I remember Don as a fun filled and caring man. Enjoyed his company. Will miss him.
Howard Holz - retired from Viking Nordic Ski Patrol

December 1, 2016

Tim Tougas

Don was my Mentor when I joined the patrol and I was fortunate to have worked on his Thursday day crew with Don and Daryl for a couple seasons. We will miss you Don.
Tim Tougas St Croix Falls

December 1, 2016

Martin Fahje

November 30, 2016

Scott (Scrappy) Hedberg

Always a friendly and welcoming smile. My favorite memory on Don was at my test to join the Wild Mountain Ski Patrol. Don was a well respected "elder" of the Patrol but pulled me aside and gave me the best mentoring advise I have ever received "Scrappy your a lot let me and just love to ski, don't let the medical side scare you away. Be prepared but also be aware that there two types of patrollers; skiers and Doctor want-a-be's. Always try to ski with the later". Miss you Don, and wish I could hug you Alice.

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Funeral services provided by:

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2250 St Anthony Boulevard NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

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