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
sending Leota and family my deepest sympathy. I have lots of fun memories of Dave in high school and college.
Oh my, we are so sorry about Dave’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Leota and your family. Sending hugs and prayers.
great friend and softball teamate, thoughts and prayers for the family.
Deepest of SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF , DAVE OLSEN, LEOTA AND FAMILY BE STRONG, GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Always enjoyed visiting with Dave. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
God bless
My heart HURRRRTTSS!!! 💔 lost another good one to that damn cancer!! My Mentor, My Teacher & Dearest Friend. I will never forget the respect, admiration and value that came explicitly from you for me!!!! Dave Olsen, you were My treasure more than you knew!!! Thank you for helping me become who I am as a saleswoman with her own sword to fight cancer!!! ~L
My heart HURRRRTTSS for everyone, Leota, family and friends – all who knew how special he was and how he treated others with love. 💔 lost another good one to that damn cancer!! My Mentor, My Teacher & Dearest Friend. I will never forget the respect, admiration and value that came explicitly from you for me!!!! Dave Olsen, you were My treasure more than you knew!!! Thank you for helping me become who I am as a saleswoman with her own sword to fight cancer!!! ~L
I am shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always a fun person to work with at Huntting Elevator. Peace be with you all.
I am shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always a fun person to work with at Huntting Elevator. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
My sympathies to Leota and all of Dave’s family. I will miss Dave’s laugh. I also do not know anyone who was better than Dave at turning on a softball and curving a homerun just inside the left field foul pole. May the promise of the resurrection comfort you in the days ahead. Take care.