Obituary of Donald Dale Olson

Donald Dale Olson, 85 of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away October 12, 2021 at the Genesis Cheyenne Mountain Care Center in Colorado Springs.He was born July 24, 1936 to Everett and Verna (Peters) Olson in Hastings, Nebraska. Don graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, Nebraska in 1955. He worked on his father's farm during his younger years. Donald worked as a dredge operator, welder, heavy equipment operator and co-owner of Olson Sand & Gravel for many years following the Interstate 80 project through Nebraska. He set down roots at Big Springs, Nebraska where he had his own Valley Sand & Gravel business. He always dreamt of living in the mountains and was happy to call Colorado Springs his home when he later moved there and worked as a loader operator for Schmidt Construction until his retirement in 1998. He loved the Pikes Peak and Cripple Creek areas. Don loved spending time with his wife and family and treated them to many family vacations in the western part of the United States. He truly enjoyed fly fishing and deep-sea fishing in the Oregon and Washington areas. His other hobbies and interests included oil painting, music, and his guitar. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed participating in many bowling tournaments throughout Nebraska, Colorado, and Las Vegas. He was also a big fan of Nebraska Husker football throughout his lifetime. Donald was known as an extremely hard-working man and had a kind and generous soul. He loved all his dogs throughout his lifetime and was especially fond of his two most recent, Teddy and Ellie.Donald was preceded in death by his father, Everett Olson; and his mother, Verna (Peters) Olson. He is survived by his cherished wife of sixty four years, Ruth Carolyn (Bell) Olson of Colorado Springs; daughter, Joanne (Mark) Mauser of Colorado Springs; three sons, Bob (Karma) Olson of Colorado Springs, Curt (Diane) Olson of Pueblo West, and Mark (Michelle) Olson of Colorado Springs; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister Patricia (Gene) Ayres of Franklin, Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association at apdaparkinson.org or by sending to APDA at 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305. Cremation has taken place by The Springs Funeral Services and a private family service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all their family and friends for their support during this difficult time.