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Duane R. Olson, 88, of Yankton, S.D., passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, with military honors provided by Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791. A reception and fellowship will follow in the Hospitality Center. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2 p.m., with the celebration of Duane’s life beginning at 2 p.m.
Duane was born on July 23, 1936, in Ayrshire, to Mildred Olson. He was lovingly raised on a farm by his mother and uncles, Carl and Ted Olson. He grew up learning the values of hard work and family. As a sophomore, his family moved to Spencer where he graduated from Spencer High School in 1954. After graduation, he began working as a shoe salesman in Spencer eventually transferring to a store in Atlantic.
In 1958, Duane enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Korea. It was during his time in the service that he developed a lifelong passion for Ham Radio and Morse code. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1961, and returned to Spencer, where he met Glenice Roberts. The two were married on June 23, 1962, and a year later moved to Storm Lake. There, Duane attended Buena Vista University, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1967.
While pursuing his degree, Duane and Glenice welcomed their first daughter, Lisa, in 1964. After graduating, Duane worked for Buena Vista County Child Welfare, and in 1969, their second daughter, Julie, was born. Soon after, the family relocated to Cedar Falls, where Duane became director of the Black Hawk County Social Services. In 1979, the Olsons returned to Storm Lake, where Duane worked for Iowa Office Supply before finishing his career with the Storm Lake Public School system. He retired in 1998. Their final move in 2013 landed them in Yankton, S.D., to be closer to family. After retirement, Duane and Glenice enjoyed winters in Mesa, Ariz., until 2021.
Duane was an avid sports fan, especially of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved golfing, spending many hours on the course. Duane spent years riding his prized Honda Goldwing motorcycle, taking memorable trips with Glenice and friends that forged lasting friendships. Duane loved photography, taking thousands of slides, documenting life from the early years of Glenice and Duane until slides became obsolete. Over the years, the family spent many hours watching slide shows. Duane’s family will forever cherish these memories.
He also enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, spending time on the computer and tackling any home project — he could fix just about anything. If he didn’t know how to fix it — he would find the answer and teach himself. Duane was known for reading owner's manuals from cover to cover. A history and trivia enthusiast, Duane loved museums and the History Channel. He was also a master of the grill, relishing time spent on the patio with family, a gin and tonic in hand.
Above all, Duane treasured his family. His greatest joy came from his role as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Duane is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Glenice, of Yankton; his daughters: Lisa (Jay) Jacobson of Naperville, Ill.; and Julie Olson of Yankton; six grandchildren: Lauren (Cole) Starkey, Alexandra (Brian) Kelley, Andrew Jacobson, Katherine (Kyle) Gall, Karly (Chase) Green and Jack Schaa; and 10 great-grandchildren: Owen, Kayden, Kennedy, Atlee, Brooks, Poppy, Kashten, Calia, Quinn and Rory.
He was preceded in death by his mother; his uncles, Ted and Carl; his mother-in-law Irene Roberts, and his father-in-law, Barney Roberts; as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.
