Dr. Gary D. Olson passed away on Tuesday June 30th, 2020 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls South Dakota, from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Memorial Services were held at 2:00pm on Monday, August 3, 2020, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Burial took place in the Stone Church Cemetery at Houston, Minnesota on Thursday, July 30, 2020, on what would have been Gary's 81st birthday.
Gary was born on July 30, 1939 to Raymond and Ethel (Storlie) Olson who resided in Houston Minnesota, and on September 3, 1939 was baptized at Houston Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1947 Gary moved with his parents to Sandy Hill Dairy Farm in Wilmington Township near Spring Grove Minnesota, where he was active in 4H and helped his father with milking their Holstein cows.He graduated from Spring Grove public school in 1957 and enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he majored in history and sang in the Nordic Choir. In 1961 Gary started his teaching career at Kerkhoven, Minnesota High School as a social studies instructor and track coach. In 1963 Gary entered graduate school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received an MA in 1965 and a PhD in History in 1968, focusing on colonial/revolutionary war era American History. Gary then started his 37 year tenure at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as an assistant professor of history. He was promoted to associate professor in 1973 and full professor in 1979. While teaching American and European history at Augustana, he also found time to publish 2 books and more than 50 articles in history journals. Gary’s combined love of teaching and research led him to develop a new research methods course at Augustana for students as a means of influencing students to pursue graduate studies. In 1974, Gary was involved with the new Center for Western Studies, and while serving as its Executive Director for six years, co-authored a book with Herbert Krause titled Prelude to Glory about General George Custer’s 1870’s exploration of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gary became known as one of the primary historians of Sioux Falls, and one of his favorite accomplishments was the 1985 publication of Sioux Falls a Pictorial History, which he co-authored with his son Erik.
From 1977 to 1995 Gary worked in administrative positions as Social Sciences division chair, Dean of Academic Services, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. Augustana was originally founded by Norwegian immigrants and in his role as Academic Dean, Gary believed it was important to strengthen the ties between Augustana and Norway. During a sabbatical in 1987 he created a program to bring Norwegian students to Augustana that continues today. He and Rosaaen welcomed the students into their home and created a lifelong relationship with many of them. Gary also recruited a full-time Norwegian language professor to add another foreign language offering to Augustana students. In 1995 Gary returned full-time to the classroom to finish his academic career and retired in 2005 with recognition for his 37 years in the field of education and community service from Mayor David Munson who proclaimed May 18th, 2005 as Gary D. Olson Day.
Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church for 52 years, singing tenor in the adult choir for many years and serving on the Board of Worship and Music and the Board of Properties and various committees. He was also the Commissioner for the South Dakota Chapter of the Norseman Federation, active in the Sons of Norway, Norwegian American Historical Association, and the Nordland Heritage Foundation. Gary also served as chair of the City-County Museum Board that created the Siouxland Heritage museums in 1973 and served as chair of the board of directors of the combined museums for its first six years. During this same time, he became involved in the effort to save historic buildings in Sioux Falls, and largely as a result of his advocacy, the old Sioux Falls courthouse building was saved from the wrecking ball and became one of the crown jewels of downtown Sioux Falls.
Despite his busy schedule and responsibilities, family was always Gary’s highest priority. Gary married his high-school sweetheart Rosaaen Skifton on September 4th, 1960. They were the first couple to be married in the new Houston, Minnesota Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Gary and Rosaaen were blessed with three sons, Erik, Tim and Lars, and spent over 50 years living in their South Main Avenue home in Sioux Falls, where Gary walked to work every day and even came home for delicious lunches with his loving wife. Gary and Rosaaen enjoyed traveling around the globe and led several tours to Norway for Augustana Alumni and friends. Gary was also a talented woodworker and there seemed to be no limit to what he could build or fix. Gary designed and built a Norwegian styled family room addition to the house in Sioux Falls and later became a master of Norwegian bentwood and birchbark boxes, and restorer of antique clocks. One of Gary’s creations, and a favorite of Rosaaen, started out as a lawnmower shed but soon turned into a little Norwegian house ‘hytte’ in the back garden, complete with beds on the 2nd floor, heat, A/C and cable TV. All three sons benefited greatly from Gary’s abilities and willingness to help on many of their home projects over the years. They always knew their dad could fix anything.
Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. He maintained his lifelong positive attitude even though the disease was robbing him of so many things. He participated in Rock Steady Boxing and benefited greatly from the exercise and the company of others dealing with PD. Parkinson’s finally forced Gary to leave his home and he has been under the care of skilled nursing since July 2019. The last three months were especially hard on him when he could not have Rosaaen or any other visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Rosaaen Olson, Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Erik (Monika) Olson of Hyggen, Norway, Timothy (Carroll) Olson of Port Orchard, WA, Lars (Chanda) Olson of Minneapolis, MN; five grandchildren, Johanna (Joshua), John, Sarah, Jorgen, Henrik; and two brothers, Adrian (Jean) Olson and Jeffrey (Marsha) Olson all of Deerwood, MN and sister-in-law Carolyn Olson, Spring Grove, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother Spencer in 2001.
Rosaaen and her family wish to express their sincere thank you to the pastors at First Lutheran Church for their concern and care during this journey. Also thank you to Dr. Bill Rossing and PA Denise for their loving care of Gary. We were blessed.
Gary was born on July 30, 1939 to Raymond and Ethel (Storlie) Olson who resided in Houston Minnesota, and on September 3, 1939 was baptized at Houston Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1947 Gary moved with his parents to Sandy Hill Dairy Farm in Wilmington Township near Spring Grove Minnesota, where he was active in 4H and helped his father with milking their Holstein cows.He graduated from Spring Grove public school in 1957 and enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he majored in history and sang in the Nordic Choir. In 1961 Gary started his teaching career at Kerkhoven, Minnesota High School as a social studies instructor and track coach. In 1963 Gary entered graduate school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received an MA in 1965 and a PhD in History in 1968, focusing on colonial/revolutionary war era American History. Gary then started his 37 year tenure at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as an assistant professor of history. He was promoted to associate professor in 1973 and full professor in 1979. While teaching American and European history at Augustana, he also found time to publish 2 books and more than 50 articles in history journals. Gary’s combined love of teaching and research led him to develop a new research methods course at Augustana for students as a means of influencing students to pursue graduate studies. In 1974, Gary was involved with the new Center for Western Studies, and while serving as its Executive Director for six years, co-authored a book with Herbert Krause titled Prelude to Glory about General George Custer’s 1870’s exploration of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gary became known as one of the primary historians of Sioux Falls, and one of his favorite accomplishments was the 1985 publication of Sioux Falls a Pictorial History, which he co-authored with his son Erik.
From 1977 to 1995 Gary worked in administrative positions as Social Sciences division chair, Dean of Academic Services, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. Augustana was originally founded by Norwegian immigrants and in his role as Academic Dean, Gary believed it was important to strengthen the ties between Augustana and Norway. During a sabbatical in 1987 he created a program to bring Norwegian students to Augustana that continues today. He and Rosaaen welcomed the students into their home and created a lifelong relationship with many of them. Gary also recruited a full-time Norwegian language professor to add another foreign language offering to Augustana students. In 1995 Gary returned full-time to the classroom to finish his academic career and retired in 2005 with recognition for his 37 years in the field of education and community service from Mayor David Munson who proclaimed May 18th, 2005 as Gary D. Olson Day.
Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church for 52 years, singing tenor in the adult choir for many years and serving on the Board of Worship and Music and the Board of Properties and various committees. He was also the Commissioner for the South Dakota Chapter of the Norseman Federation, active in the Sons of Norway, Norwegian American Historical Association, and the Nordland Heritage Foundation. Gary also served as chair of the City-County Museum Board that created the Siouxland Heritage museums in 1973 and served as chair of the board of directors of the combined museums for its first six years. During this same time, he became involved in the effort to save historic buildings in Sioux Falls, and largely as a result of his advocacy, the old Sioux Falls courthouse building was saved from the wrecking ball and became one of the crown jewels of downtown Sioux Falls.
Despite his busy schedule and responsibilities, family was always Gary’s highest priority. Gary married his high-school sweetheart Rosaaen Skifton on September 4th, 1960. They were the first couple to be married in the new Houston, Minnesota Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Gary and Rosaaen were blessed with three sons, Erik, Tim and Lars, and spent over 50 years living in their South Main Avenue home in Sioux Falls, where Gary walked to work every day and even came home for delicious lunches with his loving wife. Gary and Rosaaen enjoyed traveling around the globe and led several tours to Norway for Augustana Alumni and friends. Gary was also a talented woodworker and there seemed to be no limit to what he could build or fix. Gary designed and built a Norwegian styled family room addition to the house in Sioux Falls and later became a master of Norwegian bentwood and birchbark boxes, and restorer of antique clocks. One of Gary’s creations, and a favorite of Rosaaen, started out as a lawnmower shed but soon turned into a little Norwegian house ‘hytte’ in the back garden, complete with beds on the 2nd floor, heat, A/C and cable TV. All three sons benefited greatly from Gary’s abilities and willingness to help on many of their home projects over the years. They always knew their dad could fix anything.
Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. He maintained his lifelong positive attitude even though the disease was robbing him of so many things. He participated in Rock Steady Boxing and benefited greatly from the exercise and the company of others dealing with PD. Parkinson’s finally forced Gary to leave his home and he has been under the care of skilled nursing since July 2019. The last three months were especially hard on him when he could not have Rosaaen or any other visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Rosaaen Olson, Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Erik (Monika) Olson of Hyggen, Norway, Timothy (Carroll) Olson of Port Orchard, WA, Lars (Chanda) Olson of Minneapolis, MN; five grandchildren, Johanna (Joshua), John, Sarah, Jorgen, Henrik; and two brothers, Adrian (Jean) Olson and Jeffrey (Marsha) Olson all of Deerwood, MN and sister-in-law Carolyn Olson, Spring Grove, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother Spencer in 2001.
Rosaaen and her family wish to express their sincere thank you to the pastors at First Lutheran Church for their concern and care during this journey. Also thank you to Dr. Bill Rossing and PA Denise for their loving care of Gary. We were blessed.
Dr. Gary D. Olson passed away on Tuesday June 30th, 2020 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls South Dakota, from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Memorial Services were held at 2:00pm on Monday, August 3, 2020, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Burial took place in the Stone Church Cemetery at Houston, Minnesota on Thursday, July 30, 2020, on what would have been Gary's 81st birthday.
Gary was born on July 30, 1939 to Raymond and Ethel (Storlie) Olson who resided in Houston Minnesota, and on September 3, 1939 was baptized at Houston Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1947 Gary moved with his parents to Sandy Hill Dairy Farm in Wilmington Township near Spring Grove Minnesota, where he was active in 4H and helped his father with milking their Holstein cows.He graduated from Spring Grove public school in 1957 and enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he majored in history and sang in the Nordic Choir. In 1961 Gary started his teaching career at Kerkhoven, Minnesota High School as a social studies instructor and track coach. In 1963 Gary entered graduate school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received an MA in 1965 and a PhD in History in 1968, focusing on colonial/revolutionary war era American History. Gary then started his 37 year tenure at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as an assistant professor of history. He was promoted to associate professor in 1973 and full professor in 1979. While teaching American and European history at Augustana, he also found time to publish 2 books and more than 50 articles in history journals. Gary’s combined love of teaching and research led him to develop a new research methods course at Augustana for students as a means of influencing students to pursue graduate studies. In 1974, Gary was involved with the new Center for Western Studies, and while serving as its Executive Director for six years, co-authored a book with Herbert Krause titled Prelude to Glory about General George Custer’s 1870’s exploration of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gary became known as one of the primary historians of Sioux Falls, and one of his favorite accomplishments was the 1985 publication of Sioux Falls a Pictorial History, which he co-authored with his son Erik.
From 1977 to 1995 Gary worked in administrative positions as Social Sciences division chair, Dean of Academic Services, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. Augustana was originally founded by Norwegian immigrants and in his role as Academic Dean, Gary believed it was important to strengthen the ties between Augustana and Norway. During a sabbatical in 1987 he created a program to bring Norwegian students to Augustana that continues today. He and Rosaaen welcomed the students into their home and created a lifelong relationship with many of them. Gary also recruited a full-time Norwegian language professor to add another foreign language offering to Augustana students. In 1995 Gary returned full-time to the classroom to finish his academic career and retired in 2005 with recognition for his 37 years in the field of education and community service from Mayor David Munson who proclaimed May 18th, 2005 as Gary D. Olson Day.
Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church for 52 years, singing tenor in the adult choir for many years and serving on the Board of Worship and Music and the Board of Properties and various committees. He was also the Commissioner for the South Dakota Chapter of the Norseman Federation, active in the Sons of Norway, Norwegian American Historical Association, and the Nordland Heritage Foundation. Gary also served as chair of the City-County Museum Board that created the Siouxland Heritage museums in 1973 and served as chair of the board of directors of the combined museums for its first six years. During this same time, he became involved in the effort to save historic buildings in Sioux Falls, and largely as a result of his advocacy, the old Sioux Falls courthouse building was saved from the wrecking ball and became one of the crown jewels of downtown Sioux Falls.
Despite his busy schedule and responsibilities, family was always Gary’s highest priority. Gary married his high-school sweetheart Rosaaen Skifton on September 4th, 1960. They were the first couple to be married in the new Houston, Minnesota Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Gary and Rosaaen were blessed with three sons, Erik, Tim and Lars, and spent over 50 years living in their South Main Avenue home in Sioux Falls, where Gary walked to work every day and even came home for delicious lunches with his loving wife. Gary and Rosaaen enjoyed traveling around the globe and led several tours to Norway for Augustana Alumni and friends. Gary was also a talented woodworker and there seemed to be no limit to what he could build or fix. Gary designed and built a Norwegian styled family room addition to the house in Sioux Falls and later became a master of Norwegian bentwood and birchbark boxes, and restorer of antique clocks. One of Gary’s creations, and a favorite of Rosaaen, started out as a lawnmower shed but soon turned into a little Norwegian house ‘hytte’ in the back garden, complete with beds on the 2nd floor, heat, A/C and cable TV. All three sons benefited greatly from Gary’s abilities and willingness to help on many of their home projects over the years. They always knew their dad could fix anything.
Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. He maintained his lifelong positive attitude even though the disease was robbing him of so many things. He participated in Rock Steady Boxing and benefited greatly from the exercise and the company of others dealing with PD. Parkinson’s finally forced Gary to leave his home and he has been under the care of skilled nursing since July 2019. The last three months were especially hard on him when he could not have Rosaaen or any other visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Rosaaen Olson, Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Erik (Monika) Olson of Hyggen, Norway, Timothy (Carroll) Olson of Port Orchard, WA, Lars (Chanda) Olson of Minneapolis, MN; five grandchildren, Johanna (Joshua), John, Sarah, Jorgen, Henrik; and two brothers, Adrian (Jean) Olson and Jeffrey (Marsha) Olson all of Deerwood, MN and sister-in-law Carolyn Olson, Spring Grove, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother Spencer in 2001.
Rosaaen and her family wish to express their sincere thank you to the pastors at First Lutheran Church for their concern and care during this journey. Also thank you to Dr. Bill Rossing and PA Denise for their loving care of Gary. We were blessed.
Gary was born on July 30, 1939 to Raymond and Ethel (Storlie) Olson who resided in Houston Minnesota, and on September 3, 1939 was baptized at Houston Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1947 Gary moved with his parents to Sandy Hill Dairy Farm in Wilmington Township near Spring Grove Minnesota, where he was active in 4H and helped his father with milking their Holstein cows.He graduated from Spring Grove public school in 1957 and enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he majored in history and sang in the Nordic Choir. In 1961 Gary started his teaching career at Kerkhoven, Minnesota High School as a social studies instructor and track coach. In 1963 Gary entered graduate school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received an MA in 1965 and a PhD in History in 1968, focusing on colonial/revolutionary war era American History. Gary then started his 37 year tenure at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as an assistant professor of history. He was promoted to associate professor in 1973 and full professor in 1979. While teaching American and European history at Augustana, he also found time to publish 2 books and more than 50 articles in history journals. Gary’s combined love of teaching and research led him to develop a new research methods course at Augustana for students as a means of influencing students to pursue graduate studies. In 1974, Gary was involved with the new Center for Western Studies, and while serving as its Executive Director for six years, co-authored a book with Herbert Krause titled Prelude to Glory about General George Custer’s 1870’s exploration of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gary became known as one of the primary historians of Sioux Falls, and one of his favorite accomplishments was the 1985 publication of Sioux Falls a Pictorial History, which he co-authored with his son Erik.
From 1977 to 1995 Gary worked in administrative positions as Social Sciences division chair, Dean of Academic Services, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. Augustana was originally founded by Norwegian immigrants and in his role as Academic Dean, Gary believed it was important to strengthen the ties between Augustana and Norway. During a sabbatical in 1987 he created a program to bring Norwegian students to Augustana that continues today. He and Rosaaen welcomed the students into their home and created a lifelong relationship with many of them. Gary also recruited a full-time Norwegian language professor to add another foreign language offering to Augustana students. In 1995 Gary returned full-time to the classroom to finish his academic career and retired in 2005 with recognition for his 37 years in the field of education and community service from Mayor David Munson who proclaimed May 18th, 2005 as Gary D. Olson Day.
Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church for 52 years, singing tenor in the adult choir for many years and serving on the Board of Worship and Music and the Board of Properties and various committees. He was also the Commissioner for the South Dakota Chapter of the Norseman Federation, active in the Sons of Norway, Norwegian American Historical Association, and the Nordland Heritage Foundation. Gary also served as chair of the City-County Museum Board that created the Siouxland Heritage museums in 1973 and served as chair of the board of directors of the combined museums for its first six years. During this same time, he became involved in the effort to save historic buildings in Sioux Falls, and largely as a result of his advocacy, the old Sioux Falls courthouse building was saved from the wrecking ball and became one of the crown jewels of downtown Sioux Falls.
Despite his busy schedule and responsibilities, family was always Gary’s highest priority. Gary married his high-school sweetheart Rosaaen Skifton on September 4th, 1960. They were the first couple to be married in the new Houston, Minnesota Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Gary and Rosaaen were blessed with three sons, Erik, Tim and Lars, and spent over 50 years living in their South Main Avenue home in Sioux Falls, where Gary walked to work every day and even came home for delicious lunches with his loving wife. Gary and Rosaaen enjoyed traveling around the globe and led several tours to Norway for Augustana Alumni and friends. Gary was also a talented woodworker and there seemed to be no limit to what he could build or fix. Gary designed and built a Norwegian styled family room addition to the house in Sioux Falls and later became a master of Norwegian bentwood and birchbark boxes, and restorer of antique clocks. One of Gary’s creations, and a favorite of Rosaaen, started out as a lawnmower shed but soon turned into a little Norwegian house ‘hytte’ in the back garden, complete with beds on the 2nd floor, heat, A/C and cable TV. All three sons benefited greatly from Gary’s abilities and willingness to help on many of their home projects over the years. They always knew their dad could fix anything.
Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. He maintained his lifelong positive attitude even though the disease was robbing him of so many things. He participated in Rock Steady Boxing and benefited greatly from the exercise and the company of others dealing with PD. Parkinson’s finally forced Gary to leave his home and he has been under the care of skilled nursing since July 2019. The last three months were especially hard on him when he could not have Rosaaen or any other visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Rosaaen Olson, Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Erik (Monika) Olson of Hyggen, Norway, Timothy (Carroll) Olson of Port Orchard, WA, Lars (Chanda) Olson of Minneapolis, MN; five grandchildren, Johanna (Joshua), John, Sarah, Jorgen, Henrik; and two brothers, Adrian (Jean) Olson and Jeffrey (Marsha) Olson all of Deerwood, MN and sister-in-law Carolyn Olson, Spring Grove, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother Spencer in 2001.
Rosaaen and her family wish to express their sincere thank you to the pastors at First Lutheran Church for their concern and care during this journey. Also thank you to Dr. Bill Rossing and PA Denise for their loving care of Gary. We were blessed.
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