David John Olson

David J. Olson, of rural Milan, passed away with family by his side at his home on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at the age of 80.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19 ^th , 2022 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Kviteseid Lutheran Church, Milan, MN with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Wednesday, April 20 ^th , 2022 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Kviteseid Lutheran Church with Pastor Kristine Isder officiating.  Burial will be at the Big Bend Lutheran Cemetery, Milan, Mn.

David John Olson was born on November 15, 1941 at the home farm in West Bank Township, Swift County, Minnesota to parents Arthur and Tillie (Norby) Olson. He was Baptized on December 14 ^th , 1941 and Confirmed on May 15, 1955; both at Big Bend Lutheran Church by the Rev. C.T. Jenson.  Dave attended rural School District 74 in West Bank Township, Swift County, Minnesota and then attended Appleton High School, graduating in 1959.  After High School he continued his education for a short time at the University of Minnesota and then Moorehead State University studying in the fields of Engineering and Art.

On December 9, 1967 he married Susan Harstad and they made their home on a farm east of Milan. To this union they had 2 daughters; Jodi and Malisa. Dave loved working with his hands and became a man of many talents. He was probably best known for two roles: House mover and Artist.  Dave worked construction most of his life.  He made a career out of moving houses, digging in basements and straightening out those old barns. It may be difficult to find a square mile in this part of Minnesota that Dave did not leave his mark on something.

His creativity started at a young age, beginning with pencil drawings during his childhood years.  This evolved into working with many mediums and creating ink drawings, oil paintings and wood carvings.  His love for horses and the Old West was the foundation of his artistry. Dave began carving his pieces out of wood and that is when his Wildlife and Western Sculptures began.  He created numerous pieces which have been sold all over the United States and many other Countries.  Some iconic pieces include the Eagle statue at the Lac Qui Parle School, his popular Santa Collection, The Mountain Man, Indian Bust, Horse and Rider with Buffalo, but he was most proud of his one-of-a-kind “Stage from Deadwood” which most know it just as “Dave’s Stagecoach”

Dave had many hobbies and interests.  He coached the Big Bend Women’s traveling softball team, enjoyed bowling, and watching sports, especially his Vikings – win or lose he always stayed true to his team.  He had a love for nature, horses, and of course his dogs, mostly Springer Spaniels over the years.

Most of all he Loved his Family.  He was a kind and loving father, grandpa and great-grandpa.  He always put family first. Dave’s legacy will live on not only in the hearts of his family but in the hearts of his community and all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters: Jodi (Todd) Tongen of Watson, Mn, and Malisa (Peter) Ervin of Appleton, Mn; Special Friend: Vera Molden; 5 grandchildren: Alexandra Tongen, Bryce Tongen, Coral (Andrew) Wehrkamp, Crystal Ervin and Morgan Ervin; 5 great-grandchildren: Averi, Oliver and Harbor Wehrkamp, Scarlett Guest and Grace Koehl; sister, Janice (Jerry) Lund of Montevideo, MN; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; Art and Tillie Olson; brother, Wallace Olson; sisters-in-law, Ruth Olson and Doris Olson.

Blessed be his Memory.