Donald D. Olson, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, at his home.

Donald Duane Olson was born on Oct. 31, 1934, on the family farm in Harmony, Minnesota, to Bennie and Anna (Storlie) Olson. He attended grade school in Harmony until sixth grade, and then moved to Austin High School in 1947. He graduated in 1952. On June 12, 1952, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served honorably in the United States Air Force Communication Career Field for over 20 years. His tours of duty were in Japan, Guam, Taiwan, Vietnam, Germany, Greenland, Little Rock, Arkansas, Blue Castle, Florida, Tennessee, and Duluth, Minnesota. He was honorably discharged on June 19, 1973. During his time in the Air Force, Donald married Rose Mary Veara In October of 1956. Together the couple raised two children, Denise and Scott. Donald and Rose later divorced. Shortly after his time in the service, Donald attended vocational school, graduating with his associates degree as a machinist in May of 1975. After his graduation, he started working at Streater Industries, retiring after 18 years. In 1982, he married Doris I. Flatten in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was a former member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, where he was also confirmed. Donald was an active member of the Eagles, VFW Post 1216, American Legion Post 91, and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He loved 50s and 60s country music like Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette and Juice Newton. Donald also enjoyed hunting, camping, gambling, and fishing with his wife, Doris, and his mother and brother Jerome in his younger years. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his children, Denise (Marv) Smith of Soldotna, Alaska, and Scott Olson of Austin; step-daughter, Sandra Blazer of Pueblo, Colorado; step-daughter-in-law, Suzanne Flatten of Albert Lea, Minnesota; step-son-in-law, Ron Nelson of Austin; six grandchildren, Trevor, Tony, Jennifer, Todd, Michael and Holly; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Deloris Olson of Austin; nieces and nephews, Brian (Rosanne) Olson of Austin, Randy (Diana) Olson of Austin, Tammy (Scott) Duffney of Andover, Minnesota, Michelle (Steve Lyn) Vandezande of Austin, Sue (Michael) Myhre of Austin, Kathleen (Rick) Gunter of Texas, Kelly (Tom) Pollard of Texas and Nicky (Jante) Olson of Texas; many great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Anna Olson; four brothers, Alvin Olson in infancy, Burnell Olson, Arlyn Olson and Leslie “Jerome” Olson; and step-children, Larry Flatten and Sinthia Nelson.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with Pastor Mark Niethammer officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Memorials can be directed to the Mower County Humane Society. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.