Donny Olson

Donny Olson, 68, of Highmore, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016 in Highmore.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Pastor Emily Munger officiating.  Burial followed at the Highmore Cemetery.  Visitation was held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2016 at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore.

Donald LeRoy Olson was born in Pierre, South Dakota on August 13, 1948 to LeRoy Albert Olson and Donna June (Noe) Olson.  Donny grew up on the family farm south of Highmore with his older sister Marlene and younger brothers Terry, and Jim.  A favorite summer activity for Donny was to hunt for snapping turtles at the creek near the family farm.  Family and friends were invited to big turtle feeds following a successful hunt. Donny learned the value of hard work and developed a talent for fixing nearly everything. Donny attended grade school through eighth grade at Peno and Convent country schools.

On July 3, 1973, Donny was united in marriage to Gay Evette Miller.  They lived in various places in Hyde County. To this union they had a daughter Rema Johanna.  Donny passed his values on to her, including pride in hard work, take care of what you own, respect of livestock, and general principles of doing the right thing.  In 1975, the family moved into Highmore and resided near Donny’s parents.

On June 6, 1992, Donny and Vicki Isburg started their life together, living in Highmore. Another special person in Donny’s life was Shelby Lynn.

Donny loved rodeo and could often be found helping by running gates, throwing flags, supplying panels, or whatever was needed.  The July 4th rodeo in Ft. Pierre was an important annual event for Donny and one that he rarely missed.

Donny worked for various farmers and ranchers throughout the area. In the earlier years Donny had a Straight Truck and hauled just about anything from livestock, grain and even an occasional vehicle or two.  He enjoyed working with livestock and getting out in a tractor and working the land. Even if he said he didn't, he secretly loved it. He had a talent for doing just about anything. If you thought something could not be fixed, just call Donny. Donny always knew there was a way to fix something or make it work.  Donny was meticulous with anything he had. He took pride in keeping everything he had in tip top shape.

In the early 1990’s, Donny found his permanent job with Eagle Pass Ranch.  To him though this was not a job, this was an extension of his family. Donny had great respect for Steve Munger.  It was not a normal bond of an employer and employee; it was a friendship.  Donny also had respect and love for everybody he worked with at Eagle Pass. He had a good word for every single one. Know that Donny will be keeping an eye on Eagle Pass to make sure everything is kept up to his standards.

Grateful to have shared in Donny's life: His daughter Rema (Dean) Kolda of St. Lawrence; Vicki Isburg (life partner) of Highmore; two grandchildren, Macey Evette Klages of Aberdeen and Morgan Kolda of St. Lawrence; step daughter, Lynda Grey Owl “Charlie” of Pierre; his little buddies: Shelby Lynn Isburg “BeBe”, Conner Grey Owl “Buddy”, Dylan Janis “Sonny”, Peyton Grey Owl “Scappier”, and Kalup McGhee “Stubby” all of Highmore; a sister, Marlene Carroll of Harrold; brothers: Terry (Pam) Olson of Highmore, and Jim (Rev. Jodi) Olson of Custer; aunt, Evelyn Thompson of Pierre; uncle, Jerry Noe of Bellinghan, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donny was preceded in death and will be joining his parents LeRoy Albert and Donna June (Noe) Olson; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his aunts and uncles.