Donald W. Olson, 85, Ada, MN, died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Donald Wesley Olson was born the younger of two sons on April 9, 1930, to George and Alice (nee Thompson) Olson in rural Lowry, Minnesota. As a kid, he enjoyed swimming in the many nearby lakes and finding rocks and arrowheads in the fields and woods. Donald grew up farming, first with horses and eventually with more modern equipment. His lifelong ethic of hard work developed when he was a teenager and his uncle John Thompson became ill. Donald took on the responsibilities of the Thompson farm during his uncle's recovery.

As a young man he moved to Norman County and met the beautiful Hildora Haugan, who he courted and later married after returning from serving his country. During the Korean War, Donald served in the United States Army as a communications specialist making sure new bases were equipped with the newest technology.

Donald and Hildora were married Thursday October 29, 1953 at East Marsh River Lutheran Church. They were blessed with three children, Margaret, David and John. Together, they established and ran two successful businesses – Olson Well Drilling of Halstad and Olson Furniture of Ada.

Donald served as President of the Minnesota Water Well Association 1988-1989, and received honorary lifetime membership.

Faith was the foundation of Donald's life. His guiding principle was the example set by Christ. Donald was a long-time leader at East Marsh Lutheran Church. He served as Congregational President, served many terms on the church council, and fought to keep the church doors open during trying times for the congregation. In addition to his foundational work at East Marsh, Donald was a member of the Gideons for decades. The men of this close-knit group met regularly and provided both social and spiritual support.

In addition to their faith, Donald and Hildora were devoted to square dancing, and were long-time members of Ada Valley Squares. Through Gideons and square dancing, Donald and Hildora found many life-long friends who continue to support them and their family today.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gerald Olson , and his sister Dorothy Olson who died as an infant. Donald is survived by the love of his life, Hildora Haugan Olson, sister-in-law Marvel Olson, children Margaret (Paul) Erickson, David Olson, John (Lisa) Olson, grandchildren Jennifer Steger, Amanda (Devon) Lindberg-Aganga, Eric Lindberg, Jennifer Jensen, Allison (Brian) Schild, Evan Lindberg, Joshua Olson and six loving great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 11:00-1:00PM at Benedictine Mission Court Chapel, Ada, MN.

Funeral Service: 3:00PM, Saturday, March, 19, 2016, at East Marsh River Lutheran Church, rural Halstad, MN.

Burial: Monday, 1:00PM, St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Lowry, MN.