Robert Dean Olson was born on February 4, 1945 in Wolf Point. Robert was the only son of Lawrence and Annie Olson. He was blessed with having eight sisters and they are Ruth, Norma, Diana, Edna, Connie, JoAnn, Donna and Julie. Each of them was his “favorite”.
He attended Longview grade school and attended high school in Wolf Point. At the age of 20 he was drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam from 1965-1967 as a Field Wireman and Lineman.
In 1968 Robert married his sweetheart Alda Nelson. They raised two children Barry (Lisa) Hammond and Cyndi (Mike) Ritter. Robert was a deeply loved grandfather to his six grandchildren, Derrick, Cassie, Haylee and Nicole Hammond and Brennan and Austin Ritter. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Brayxton, Maverik and Emerald Hammond.
Robert worked in the oil industry and then the heating and air conditioning business. His passion was farming and his cows. He enjoyed many activities especially fishing and camping, visiting with his many friends, telling jokes, playing cards with his grandkids, watching western movies, and as a good Norwegian he loved his lutefisk. He was also famous for being able to fix anything with just a hammer and a pair of pliers.
There was no other role Robert enjoyed more than being a grandfather and a great grandfather. He taught all of his grandchildren about fishing, how to drive, the importance of honesty and Christian values and most importantly he passed on his love for family.
Robert bravely began his battle with cancer in 2003 and finally the time came for him to be at peace. He died at his home on April 12, 2017 while being watched over by his family and special Glendive Home Health nurse, Beth Conroy. He also considered the Sidney Cancer Center nursing staff as special friends who treated him with such great care and compassion; these special ladies were Judy Carda, Tracy Denowh, Carla Bright, Erin Ellingson, Deb Winter, Yvette Lien.
Memorials can be sent to Alda Olson at 726 MT Hwy 201, Vida, MT 59274. Donations will be directed to The Sidney Cancer Center and Angel Flights.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:30 p.m.
Monday April 17, 2017
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 18, 2017
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:30 p.m.
Monday April 17, 2017
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 18, 2017
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Cam and Jodi Martin says
So sorry for your loss, one of the best neighbors anybody could have. What a great guy. Prayers from the Martin family go out to all of your families Cam, Jodi, Mecaila & Mandi Martin.
Gene and Alice says
Please accept our condolences. We will see you maybe on Monday eve.
Charles Pawlowski says
So sorry for your loss, prayers for you and all your family. Charles and Marcia Pawlowski
Betty Kluth says
My prayers are with your family at this very sad time. It is hard to think of the right words to say as we don’t really know what the family is thinking. Just know that the Lord will get you through the days ahead.
Clint and gaylene says
Alda and kids ,so sorry what a peaceful man he was! He was so nice to visit with ?
Beth Conroy says
Alda, Cindy, Barry, Lisa, Julie and all your families… If a life well lived is measured in love, faith, family and friends…. Then Roberts was abundantly successful. Prayers for strength and peace for you all. Beautiful memories will ease your saddened hearts.
Love
Beth
Scott Krebsbach says
Cyndi- so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Libby and I always enjoyed being able to chat with him when he was here in Iowa. Being farm kids gave us lots to talk about with him. The rocks from his ranch which he picked out for us are still residing in the same spot in our yard. A unique and well appreciated gift from him. Take care and see you soon.
Scott & Libby
Brianna Vine says
Robert had such a bright smile and welcoming spirit. I will always remember having such nice visits with him when he stopped in to say hi to my Grandpa Bernard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you honor his beautiful life.
Marlys Anvik says
Alda, Cyndi, Barry and families,
I am sending you all a huge hug and many prayers. May you all find peace and comfort in the many memories you have collected over the years. I know I will be confessing all the troubles Cyndi managed to get me into during high school causing most of Roberts grey hair – especially the infamous red T-bird excursion! What a life we have to celebrate and a smile we will never forget with a sprinkle of an infectious laugh. Blessings, Marlys
Joanne Martin says
Joanne & Loretta Martin & Famlies,
He was a great friend and customer to our store. Your family have our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Cherie Heser says
Alda and kids, Doug and I send our condolences with wonderful memories of enjoying Robert so much. He was a dear friend to Doug. At this Easter time we wish you comfort and the gift of the Resurrection. You are in our prayers. Doug and Cherie Heser
Bert & Linda Twitchell says
Robert was a brave man. He faced his challenges and kept a smile for others. May you take consolation in knowing that he is at peace with his Savior. Our prayers are with you. Bert & Linda Twitchell
Mike, Jeannie, and Allison Brown says
Ritters and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful man. We know he meant so much to you and your family by the ways you often spoke of him. Praying for peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your father/grandfather. May you cherish the many memories of him forever. Wishing you comfort and safe travels.
Kathy (Mickolio) Manders says
Alda, Barry, and Cindy and families
So sorry to hear of your loss. Robert was such an amazing man and was definitely a blessing to the many lives he touched over the years. From working on the farm to his HVAC business he was always top notch. We know you will miss him terribly – loved that smile and those kind blue eyes. Our prayers are with you in this time of grief and sorrow.
Mike and Kathy Manders
L.W. Noteboom buffalo wy. says
R.I.P. brother. served with robert in vietnam 50 yrs. ago. great guy
Mary Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all your family.
May you find comfort in knowing that we will see our loved ones again. God bless all of you. Mary Dillon
Mary Dillon says
My sincerest sympathy. Thinking and praying for all your family. May it comfort you to know that we will see our loved ones again. God bless you.
Mary Dillon
JoAnn Daeley says
I am so sorry to hear about Robert. I always enjoyed a visit with him when ever our paths crossed. He was always so happy and upbeat. My sympathies to the family.
Tim Glyshaw says
Dear Lord thank you for Robert and his impact on his family. I still see his smile as the Vida bus route took
us to his home, that grin sun tanned face. You live on in your family ! see you again some day Robert 🙂