Visitation: Sunday, June 1st from 2:30-4:30pm at The Canton Barn (28079 481st Ave. Canton, SD)

Celebration of Life for Dave Olsen

Day: Sunday, June 1st, 2025

Visitation Time: 2:30-4:30pm

Location: The Canton Barn (28079 481st Ave. Canton, SD)

His love shaped us, his laughter lifted us, and his strength guided us. On May 18th, David Olsen passed away gently, held by his family who will always carry him in their hearts.

Dave was born on February 15th, 1958 in Hawarden, IA to Albert and Elaine Olsen where he lived on the farm in Fairview, SD with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He, along with a few of his brothers, were the heart of the household mischief, always quick with a prank and a laugh.

After high school, he met a woman “way out of his league” and finally worked up enough courage to ask Leota out on a date. They continued dating into his college years and made lifelong friends at SDSU. He received his degree in Agriculture and three years later, Dave and Lee married August 18th, 1979. They built a home together on the farm in Fairview and had the most joyful time raising three children together.

Dave had a gift for making friends wherever he went. His kindness knew no boundaries and he welcomed everyone with open arms. He had a natural way of putting others at ease, and his warmth drew people in.

Of all the things Dave held dear, two stood above the rest: family and farming. He spent his years working on the farm alongside his father, his brother (Keith) and nephew (Seth) in Fairview, a calling he cherished deeply. He also made lifelong friends and found fulfillment in his work at the Hudson Elevator, Farm and Home Realty, Hunting Elevator in Canton, and finally with Platinum Supplemental Insurance until he began his seven-year strong battle with cancer.

Dave was immensely proud to be a Dad, Grandpa, and Papa. Nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by his family or talking about them to anyone who would listen. He especially treasured the moments spent in the bleachers, cheering on his kids and grandkids at their games.

At gatherings, he shared stories about the mischief he would get in with such humor and affection that you’d find yourself laughing until you cried. Through his love, laughter, and storytelling, Dave reminded us all just how rich and abundant life truly is.

Those left behind cherishing his memory include his wife, three children, four grandchildren, his siblings and their spouses: Leota Olsen; Jennifer, Tim, and Ravae Rhode; Matthew, Austin, Lauren and Gavin Olsen; Brooke Olsen and Annie Brodsky; Linda Kayser; Arlyn (Cheryl) Olsen; Daryl (Nancy) Olsen; Keith (Holly) Olsen; Susan (Daryl) Eichacker; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 infant children, his grandson (Jevin Rhode), his parents (Albert and Elaine Olsen), 6 infant siblings, and brother-in-law (Robert Kayser).

In lieu of flowers, we would love to have you consider donating to the Prairie Center as this was very special in Dave’s journey or planting a tree in honor of him.

https://www.averafoundationevents.org/donate-with-search