Norman Olson

Norman Keith Olson was born Feb., 15, 1943, in Austin, Minn., to Cecil and Geneva Olson. 

Norm lived in Albert Lea, Minn., until joining the Navy in 1961, serving on the USS Craig in Vietnam.

After completing his service, Norm began his career as an electrician, working in Minnesota and Iowa, ultimately relocating to the Black Hills of South Dakota with his family, where he worked as an electrical contractor for decades as Rochford Electric. Over the course of his career as an electrician, Norm wired and served much of Hill City, S.D., and the Central Hills. 

Norm met his soul mate Leann in Hill City, and together they built their life and developed properties. All who knew them could see they were made for one another, with her birthday Feb. 13 followed by Valentine’s Day on the 14th, and Norm’s birthday on the 15th.

They worked hard and lived well. They traveled the world: sailing the Nile, touching the ancient pyramids of Egypt, walking the Colosseum in Rome, kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, topping the Eiffel Tower in Paris and climbing the pyramids in Mexico. After retiring as an electrician, Norm managed their apartment buildings and absolutely loved their winters in Florida. 

Norm, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Saturday, July 20, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 81.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Darin. 

Norm is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Leann; his brother, Ronnie Olson (Darlene); his sons, David Olson (Whitney), Jason Olson and their mother Loree; his stepchildren, Daniel Nelin, Michelle Nelin-Maruani (Raymond);  his brother-in-law, Ron Erstad; his sister-in-law, Janet Rawls; his grandchildren, Brittany, Madison, Ryan, Matthew, Nick, Anna, Jackie, Cassandra, Gabriel, Hannah and Zoe; and his great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, with visitation one hour before. He will be laid to rest in Hill City Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be left at osheimschmidt.com.