Richard William Olson

Richard W. Olson received his angel wings on the 14th day of December 2023, at the age of 65. He was a smart, strong willed and dedicated man that never gave up. He was always thinking about what project he wanted to work on next, even though he rarely finished any of them. He was so talented in many ways, from building 3 houses for his family, and working long hours for General Electric for 40 years to provide for them. He was known to many co-workers as “Ole”. He was a master woodworker from building cabinets, dressers, beds and desks to engineering and fabricating fish houses, trailers and restoring old cars. He had a love for fishing no matter if it was on the lake, river, ocean or ice in the winter time, as long as he had a fishing pole in his hand. He loved family get-togethers so he could make his famous and delicious cheeseburgers on the BBQ. Christmas morning was always our favorite holiday because he would make his perfect and amazing pancakes even though they were from a box.

The family would like to thank all the dedicated doctors and nurses, including our special friend  Anna, that we adored and loved who helped and supported us through his LVAD journey.

Survived by his loving wife of 40 years Leann (Peterson). His legacy will live on in his boys, Bradley (Jen) Beneke, Kevin (Christine) Beneke and Patrick (Sarah) Olson; grandchildren Caleb (fiancé Sammi), Jacob (Audrey), Brianna, Carter, Gavin, Makenzie, Parker, Charlotte, Lindsay; great-grandson Waylon; sisters Sandra (Brent) Lindgren and Linda; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Best buddy and fishing partner Jeff, special friends Ray and Lorie Jo.

Preceded in death by parents Howard and Norma Olson, Russell and Donna Peterson; granddaughter baby Beneke and many feline friends especially his kitty Mikey. 

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2 to 5 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the Dare's Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW, Elk River. 763-441-1212. (www.daresfuneralservice.com)

Full notice to follow.

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