Keith Olson 05/17/2023

Keith Miron Olson, “Ole”, age 80, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the River Falls Area Hospital.  He was born September 13^th, 1942, in Spring Valley, Wisconsin.  He was raised on the Olson Family Farm which was established in 1889 and was kitty corner from the Gilman Lutheran Church. He attended school in Spring Valley and was a graduate of the class of 1960.  He married Kathleen Jenkins in 1965 and they were blessed with two children, Brent and Paige.  He later was united in marriage with Sandra (Johnson) in 1989 and together they built a home near the South Fork of the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin.  While attending college, he worked for Sweeny’s construction doing many activities associated with road construction and laying sod.  In 1968, Keith obtained his bachelor’s degree from UWRF in the fields of agriculture and journalism. After graduation he began his career at Cenex in South St. Paul and finished his career with North American Trade Shows in Minneapolis.  In his spare time, he was a driver for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and delivered newspapers to rural River Falls for many years.   He was a collector of many things including his old toys, Hesston belt buckles, and Department 56 Christmas Village. Woodworking, writing short poems, and cross stitching were a few of his hidden talents.  He would often have his cross stitch projects framed for display.   Keith was an avid deer and pheasant hunter and was a member of Pheasants Forever. He had many wonderful adventures in the outdoors of northern Wisconsin with dear friends and family. He will be remembered for his wonderful smile, giggling at everything and enjoying beers with friends and family every day.  Keith is survived by his son, Brent Olson; daughter, Paige Olson, both of River Falls. Also by his brother David Olson and sister in law, Thuy Dung Hoang of Spring Valley, Wisconsin; grandchild, Mackenzie Olson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marion Olson of Spring Valley, Wisconsin and his wife, Sandi Olson.  In lieu of any funeral arrangements, his children hosted a “Last Call; Keith’s Happy Hour” at Johnnie’s Bar in River Falls, Wisconsin on Saturday June 24, 2023, from 4:00p-6:00p. Please bring nothing but your stories about Keith. Cheers!  Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.