Thomas Olson

Thomas Olson, a loving husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the age of 91 in Hays, Kansas.

Tom was born on April 1, 1933 to Henry T. Olson and Frances (Smith) Olson at home in rural Dalton, Minnesota. Tom grew up on their farm and was his dad’s constant companion. Tom’s family moved to Fergus Falls when Tom was 13 years old. Tom married the love of his life, Carolyn Buel on August 30, 1958 in McIntosh, South Dakota. They were married almost 66 years and were blessed with five children, Valerie, Jay, Paula, Kristi and Denise.

Tom spent two years in the Army and then worked for Mid America Dairy in Fergus Falls for 43 years. Tom lived in Fergus for most of his life. He and Carolyn raised their family there. Tom enjoyed camping, gardening, mowing the lawn, going to auction sales, and being with his family. He was an avid collector of pocketknives and belt buckles and was fond of cars having built a kit car that he drove in parades.

Tom was a great man who had a tender heart and always had a story to tell. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very kind and helpful man. He loved popcorn and candy! His favorite word was “Uffda”, a fun Norwegian expression that now all his children and many grandchildren enjoy using as well. He was an active member of the Nazarene church in Fergus Falls until he and his wife moved to Guernsey, Wyoming in 2015. They lived there until 2024 when they moved to Hays, Kansas.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Carolyn, and their five children, Valerie Mills of Casper, Wyoming, Jay (Nancy) Olson of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Paula (Kurt) Martin of Hays, Kansas, Kristi (Davin) Wirrenga of Jamestown, North Dakota and Denise O’Neil of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was proceeded in death by his parents; his siblings, Gilma Sporre, Corrine Biksen and Herb Olson; a grandson, Judson Thomas Jarboe and twin grandsons, Otto and Elliott Wirrenga.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024 at North Oak Community Church 3000 Oak Street in Hays. A private family inurnment will take place in Dalton, Minnesota.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Tom’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.