John Ronald Olson was born September 25, 1923 in Billings, Montana. He grew up in the Pease Bottom area near Myers, Montana with his parents Grace and Charles Olson and his three cherished siblings: Eileen Bourdet, Cecilia Winters, and James Olson. John attended Rancher School and graduated from Hysham High in 1941.
John knew from an early age that farming and ranching was his life. At age 10 he made his first cattle purchase from his uncle and from then on, he was a cattleman at heart. On December 9, 1943 he enlisted in the US army and was proud and honored to defend his country. John served in the Army Field Artillery with the 76th Infantry Division in WWII and earned the rank of Corporal. John did a tour in Europe and fought under General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. He was relieved from active duty on January 30, 1946.
In May 1944, before going overseas, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Katherine Roth. They were happily married for 71 years. John and Katie farmed and ranched in the Hysham area where they raised their five children who were the center of their world: David (Rosemary) Olson, Debby (Jim) Boyle, Diane (Jerry) Peach, Susan (Joe) Rhodes, and John Olson. Next to his family, John’s farm was his passion. He loved his work and knew every cow and her calf. He successfully ran his ranch with his son David. John’s family eventually grew to include 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
John was a husband, a father, and a faithful friend. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and passion. He was also a humble man who was strong in mind and body. John was a lucky man, but as they say, luck is the result of a lot of hard work, and John worked hard every day of his life. He was a good listener, which made him a great conversationalist and when he spoke, he was worth listening to. He was kind, and as such, he was admired, respected, and loved by all.
The Olson family have been members of the St Joseph Catholic Church all of their lives and John was a man who was always faithful to his God. John was involved in many community organizations and was a member of the American Legion and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS).
John went home to his heavenly Father on December 8, 2015 surrounded by this family. He died a wealthy man – rich in family, rich in friends, and rich in faith. We will miss him terribly, but are happy God allowed him to be part of our lives for 92 years. John is now reunited with his parents, brother, sisters, and friends in Heaven and celebrating his new life there. He will be loved and remembered by all of us for his strength, faith, courage, and guidance. We miss you Dad, and love you to heaven and back.
John is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother-in-law (Gene Bourdet), sister-in-law (Joanie Olson), and his life-long friends Bob and Sylvia Webb.
John’s beautiful life will be remembered and celebrated Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hysham. A Visitation will be held at St. Joseph’s on Friday, December 11 from 5-6 pm with a Rosary beginning at 6. There will be a Rite of Committal with Full Military Honors following at the Hysham Memorial Vale Cemetery. Reception to follow at the church. Memorials can be made to the St Joseph Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) or a charity of your choice.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the Family with these arrangements. Condolences and memories may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the ICU unit of St. Vincent’s, especially Adam and Kathy, and Father Charlie Gorman for his spiritual guidance.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday December 11, 2015
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
Hysham, Montana 59038
Rosary Service
6:00 PM
Friday December 11, 2015
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
Hysham, Montana 59038
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday December 12, 2015
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
Hysham, Montana 59038
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 pm
Saturday December 12, 2015
Memorial Vale Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday December 11, 2015
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
Hysham, Montana 59038
Rosary Service
6:00 PM
Friday December 11, 2015
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
Hysham, Montana 59038
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday December 12, 2015
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
Hysham, Montana 59038
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 pm
Saturday December 12, 2015
Memorial Vale Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Carolyn Kimball says
Katie and family,
Find peace and comfort through the memories and each other.
Kristee Weischedel says
Katie, David, Rosemary & Family- I am so sorry to hear about John. I enjoyed working with him so much. Visiting with him on the phone, he would always say something to make me smile. He was so proud of his family and his long marriage to you, Katie. I will miss his chuckle and his smile! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your loss.
lynn tompkins (n.a.p.a. lynn) says
So sorry to hear of Johns passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the store and out in the community. His love for family alway shone through. He will be missed.
Scott & Angeline Kimball says
Katie and Family… we are sorry to hear about John’s passing. We know he is looking down with Mom/Dad and smiling about the family they created and left behind. We will be keeping you in our prayers this week.
Sheryl Ward Swanson says
He touched so many lives in his 92 years – it’s impossible to measure the impact of those years. He will be missed.
Jerry Kimball says
Our families grew up together and we share so many wonderful memories. John was a very special person. Prayers and hugs to all of you!
Colin and Judy McPhail says
Katie and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Coming on top of my mother’s death(julia Hall) is doubly saddening. The flowers you sent her were beautiful and deeply appreciated. You will be in our prayers.
Max and Nancy Watson says
Dear Katie, David, Rosemary and family,
We were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. What a wonderful man John was. We should all strive to be like him. This world would be a much better place if we did. John was such a hard working, honest, and dependable person. We are so saddened by his passing.
We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Much Love,
Max and Nancy
Ken Kotar says
Katie, David, Rosemary & Family- I am so sorry to hear about John – I will always remember his kindness, and his stories at the dinner table during harvest. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Pete Berta says
John will be greatly missed, forever cherished and always remembered. Mike and I will never forget John. God bless.
Shannon Green says
Dear Katie & family,
Our families have been so close all our lives, it is something I treasure greatly.. there have been wonderful memories made. Its so hard losing someone we love so much but Joy fills my heart knowing where John is now. God bless you all in this holiday season.
Shannon
Richard Kimball says
To Katie and family. I’m so glad I stopped and visited on my last trip down to Montana. It was so enjoyable to sit down and visit with you. You have my prayers and I’ll stop next time I’m down
Rich
Stan JJ. Lipinski says
To Katie and Family:
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of John. When we visited Montana it was always a joy to visit with you, John, David, Rosemary and others. John is in our prayers this week and will especially be remembered at Xmas Mass later this week. Thank you for beautiful items you sent us regarding John’s funeral. We have no doubt that the little Irish guy (our Uncle Fr. Tom McTague) was at the Golden Gates welcoming John!. And we know that they are catching up on some great stores. Fr. Tom loved John and the entire Olson family so much as you were kind to him in so many ways.
Alll of you are in our prayers and we look forward to someday visiting all of you in Montana!
Be well and take care,
Stan, Marion and Kelly Lipinski (Ohio)