Richard A. Olson – age 85, of Laurens, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Laurens Care Center in Laurens, Iowa.

Richard Allen Olson was born November 30, 1935, in Rembrandt, Iowa. He was the son of Gehard and Kathryne (Schluntz) Olson. Rich graduated from Linn Grove High School in 1954. Following his schooling, Rich served as a Navy Seabee for several years and was stationed in Guam and Okinawa. Rich was united in marriage to Linda Melvin in Jackson, Minnesota. The couple lived in Ventura, California, for a short time before returning to Iowa and settling in Laurens. Rich was a hard worker his entire life, getting an early start by working for Linn Grove area farmers at the age of 8. He did construction work for many years, including projects across the Midwest, in Florida, and in Connecticut, before retiring in 2008 as Job Superintendent for Hy-Vee Construction.

Rich was a member of the Laurens United Methodist Church. He was an avid Hawkeye fan, enjoyed gardening but loved sharing the fruits of his labor even more, and had a famous card trick he shared with many but taught to no one. He loved garage sales, thrift stores, and westerns. He was a great supporter of his kids and their activities; he adored his grandchildren and loved following their activities.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; children, Dane Olson and Julie (Monty) Potter, all of Laurens, Paul (Teresa) Olson of Jamestown, North Dakota, and Erin Olson (Steve Schutz) of Laurens; grandchildren Lucas Olson, Paige (Nick) Brincks, Rachel Potter, Phoebe, Siddha, and Daphne Olson; one great grandson, Keelan Brincks; brother, Bob (Jan) Olson; sisters, Linda Rydstrom and Retha (Roger) Harrington; three brothers-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Deb Olson; brothers, Arnold and Lloyd Olson; sisters, Miriam Wiebe, Elaine Jessen, Janet Campbell, Lou Ann Burns, Vivian Foxhoven, and Ruth Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, Rich's family requests that memorials be made in his name.