November 15, 1940 – March 19, 2025

Roger D. Olson, of Rutland, was born November 15, 1940, to Joseph & Edith (Loiseau) Olson. At the age of 84, he peacefully went home to Jesus on March 19, 2025.

Roger took joy in the simple things in life. He enjoyed a good laugh, a visit with a friend, a sunrise and sunset. He loved walking through the trees and watching the crick flow through his pasture. He whistled while he worked, and loved when his family would walk by his side during the work day. Loving a simple life did not detract from who he was. He was a husband, marrying Bonnie (Hyland) Olson on May 21, 1966. Together, they built a beautiful life. They seemed almost inseparable. Their work and play intermingled. Working side by side on the farm, and escaping work on occasion to play cards, go dancing, attend community events, volunteer at Prairie Village and church, and spend time with their family on vacations and around home.

He was a father, grandfather and great grandfather. Roger adored his girls and their families. Not believing in idle hands or taking time to relax, he taught them that working together could be enjoyable. They taught him that it’s okay to step away from the farm for a moment to have fun, without a project in mind. He loved to hunt and fish with them, take them on tractor rides and teach them practical skills to make jobs easier. Wherever they were, he was never short on telling them how special they were and how much he loved them.

Roger was a farmer and true cattleman. It ran through his blood. He loved to be outside and always said, “I don’t have to work, I get to work”. His days were long and exhausting, but he loved all of it. He took great pride in his cattle and in a job well done. Many called him a friend. He never met a stranger and it seemed that no matter where he was, he ran into someone he knew. He loved people and making them feel good about themselves. He was an encourager and a good listener. Those who knew him best, know that he was also a prankster. He took a good prank just as well as he gave them out.

He was an active member of the community. From 1963-1969, he served his country as a member of the 153rd Engineering Battalion of the S. Dak. Army National Guard. He built many lasting relationships and a love for Prairie Village after his division cleared the land for where it stands today. He spent many hours working at the village over the years. In 2023, he was inducted into the Prairie Village Hall of Fame. Roger also served on the church council, the Rutland Township Board, and elevator board. He attended Bible studies and was always willing to help a neighbor in need.

Lastly, he was a Godly man. He was diligent in prayer and thanked God everyday for the opportunity to keep farming, even on the tough days. He was thankful for the land, nature and its beauty and time spent with friends and family.

Thankful to have shared his life are his bride of 58 years, Bonnie, and his daughters, Shawn (Kent) VanderWal, Bruce, SD., Kristin (Ron) Hargreaves, Crooks, SD., and Sara (Michael) Bicknase, Crooks, SD.; grandchildren, Ethan (Callie), Baillie, Elijah (Karley), Emily (Jesse), Nathan, Sawyer, Erica, and Denton; great grandson, Cohen; siblings, Marlys Sides, Kenny (Dorothy) Olson, Linda Torgrude, Rick Olson; brother/sister in-laws, Jim Foster, Barb Hyland, Mike & Connie Kearin.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Edith Olson; his in-laws,Stanley & Eunice Hyland; sister, Nona Foster; brother-in-laws, Charlie Sides, Fuzzy Torgrude, Dewey Hyland; sister-in-law, Vicki (Boer) Hyland, and many dear friends.

Funeral services for Roger will begin at 2 pm on Monday, March 24 at Grace Lutheran Church in Nunda, SD. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5 – 8 pm, with a 7 pm prayer service, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Prairie Village, PO Box 256, Madison SD, 57042.