Alfred B. Olson Jr., 86, of Miles City, Montana, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 28, 2025, at Billings Clinic in Billings, MT.
Born in Iowa on July 19, 1938, to Alfred B. Olson and Edna Tuttle, Alfred was the second of twelve siblings. A proud graduate of Larchwood High School in 1956, Alfred soon answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force that same year. He was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT, where he served with honor and distinction as a flightline fire protection specialist until his honorable discharge in 1977.
A man of unwavering dedication and capable hands, Alfred masterfully balanced his career, community service, and role as a devoted father. While raising his four children—William, Steven, Teresa, and Melissa—he worked tirelessly at the Anaconda Copper Mining Company Smelter, the U.S. Postal Service, and Purina. A true self-starter, Alfred taught himself the skills of a handyman and found deep satisfaction in home improvement projects. Whether building, fixing, or fine-tuning, he approached every task with care, precision, and pride.
Alfred’s journey with the postal service ultimately led him to Miles City, where he served as the Superintendent of Postal Affairs. It was there he established deep roots and became a well-loved, familiar figure within the community. Retirement didn’t slow Alfred down—instead, he poured his time and energy into meaningful public service. He dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to causes that reflected his unwavering commitment to others. He was actively involved in several organizations, including NARFE, RSVP, and most significantly, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). With DAV, Alfred spent nearly 20 years and logged close to 20,000 miles ensuring fellow veterans could access essential medical care—a cause that resonated deeply with him. He leaves behind a lasting legacy marked by quiet strength, selflessness, and heartfelt service.
Alfred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou, several siblings, and his son William.
He is survived by his children – Steven, Teresa, Melissa, his special lady Karen, as well as 12 grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Julie K says
I’m very sorry to see that Al has passed. He was my favorite supervisor many years ago at the post office.
I had a nice visit with him not long ago.
Rest in peace, Al.
Keith Holmlund says
I had the privilege to meet Al when he was hauling silage and beets for Norm Carey. He was driving truck and I was trying to keep the trucks running. He was a wonderful person as can be recognized by the thousands of hours he put in doing volunteer work. He would help anybody and never asked anybody to help him back. Rest in peace my friend.
Betty Vail says
Al will be missed by so many in our community. I was blessed to have him serve on the RSVP Advisory Council while I was director. He was so good we kept making exceptions in the bylaws to keep him on the Council. I remember him telling stories about the many veterans he traveled thousands of miles to medical appointments. He was one of a kind.
Becky Gergen says
Al was one of my volunteer drivers at the Miles City VA. He did a great job and was super reliable. Just this past year my husband and I enjoyed visiting with him at the Saturday and Sunday coffee group. He was a super good person.
Becky Gergen says
Al was one of the volunteer drivers at the Miles City VA. Whenever I called him to drive, he was always positive and super reliable. Al was also one of the members of the Saturday and Sunday coffee group which we attend. We enjoyed his conversations and sense of humor. Al will be missed at the coffee group.
Laurie says
Al was a driver and local coordinator for the DAV for almost 20 years. You could not have asked for a better person. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Petro says
What a good, honest man. I loved visiting when he came in where I work and I was fortunate to see him a couple of weeks ago. He was as kind as ever and I will be forever grateful that I was able to see him one last time.
Mark Olson says
Uncle Benny, as I knew him was a wonderful and kind person. He had an infectious laugh that brought joy to any room he was in. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace uncle Benny.
Willy cain says
Al will miss ,he was a good man,he was part of our family for a while,had good times going out for dinner and the va club for hamburger night. Enjoyed many cups of coffee with Al at Gallaghers, will miss by all …Go In Peace ,..
Carrie (Beach) Etherington says
Al was a wonderful man, I met him while facilitating a group at Grace Bible Church. He and I remained friends afterwards and I enjoyed each interaction with him.
George & Maggie Holom says
To the family of Alfred: With deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. May he Rest in Peace.
Janet Klein says
Miles City and the Olson family will miss this great guy. Al was a supervisor for my late husband when he worked at the Post Office. We became good friends with Al and shared many meals, good visits and even a toddy or two. What a wonderful volunteer and just a helpful person in sharing his time. Al, you will be missed and I am sure you will continue sharing your life with others in heaven….please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Janet
Wayne Stratmeyer says
RIP UNCLE BENNY YOU WERE QUITE THE UNCLE LOTS OF FOND MEMORIES OF VISITING YOU IN MILES CITY AND ON YOUR JOURNEYS TO SOUTH DAKOTA MOM WILL MISS YOU AND YOUR SMILES
Mike Olson says
Uncle Benny Rest in Peace. He was always cheerful and easy going. He valued family above all. He will be missed!
Lamanda Jerrel says
Al was such a nice guy I enjoyed waiting on him at my job, always had a smile on his face♥️
Linda Wolff says
I enjoyed working with Al on the RSVP board and the many projects. He was a real joy to work with. He will be missed by many. Linda
Glady & Al Turnquist says
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. He was a good supervisor and a good friend. When Glady became active on the RSVP Council, she asked him if he would be willing to serve also & he did. Glady introduced him to his beloved wife. We did lots of things together. They served on the MC COPS program with us as well. RIP Al