Donald Olson

Donald Olson, 81, of Lee's Summit, MO, formerly of Warren, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with his loving wife by his side at Hospice By John Knox Village in Lee's Summit.

Donald LeRoy Olson was born on July 1, 1944, in Warren, Minnesota, the son of Oscar and Daphine (Nicholls) Olson. He was raised on the family farm near Warren and was an active member of the McCrea 4-H Club. Donald proudly exhibited his Yorkshire pigs at the Marshall County Fair, where he earned numerous Grand Champion ribbons over the years.

Donald’s faith became an important part of his life at an early age. His family attended McCrea Lutheran Church, where a Sunday School teacher encouraged him to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and presented him with his first Bible. After the church closed, the family became members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where Donald was confirmed.

He attended Warren High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. In 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Hess, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than 61 years. One year after their marriage, Donald was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany from 1966 to 1968.

Following his honorable discharge, Donald returned to Warren and began a career in the telephone industry as an installer and repairman. Through many company mergers and name changes, he faithfully worked for more than 30 years, eventually retiring from GTE.

Donald and Barbara were blessed with two daughters, Diane and Karmen, and together they built a close-knit family centered on faith, love, and time spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. At the age of 70, Donald was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a condition that gradually affected his quality of life.

He was a devoted member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, where he faithfully served in many different roles throughout the years.

Donald enjoyed taking walks, watching westerns and programs on the History Channel, woodworking, and caring for his yard. He especially treasured time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Barbara; daughters, Diane (Greg) Sherart of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and Karmen (Lee) Van Aalsburg of Greenwood, Missouri; grandchildren, Joshua and Micah Sherart, and Caleb (fiancee, Alice Willard) and Karli Van Aalsburg; sister, Linda Edgar of Warren, Minnesota; Aunt MaryAnn Nicholls, sisters and brothers in law JoAnne Sundby, John (Susan) Hess, Paul (Anita) Hess, and Julie (Mark) Nowacki.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Daphine Olson; brother, Gary Olson; his parents-in-law, Harry and Darlene Hess: brother-in-law, Arden Sundby; and sister-in-law Nancy Hess.

Memorials may be made to:Bluewater Bible Camp Every Kid a Camper or the WAO Education Association.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Warren Covenant Church in Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before services at the church.|
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN
MILITARY HONORS by The US Army Honor Guard & The Warren American Legion Post 27.