Rodney K. Olson, 59, Ada, MN, formerly Halstad, MN, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.
Rodney K Olson, age 59, Ada, MN formerly Halstad MN, passed away peacefully, and contently, with all his stars in a line, on December 5th, 2024, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND after an 18 month, courageous an hard fought battle with Colon Cancer that had metastasized to his liver.
Rod was born on August 24, 1965, to Albert (Bobby) and Judith Olson in Fargo, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at East Marsh River Lutheran Church and graduated from Norman County West High School in 1984. For the next years, he attended the “Albert Olson School of Finer Learning,” where he clearly learned how to work endlessly and tirelessly and make a successful Olson fifth-generation run at agriculture.
Rod married Anita (Brend) Olson on May 31, 1986, and they brought three beautiful children into the world: Brittany Marie in 1986, Blake Andrew in 1990, and Ryan Knute in 1996. He was an extremely grateful, loving, and generous husband and father. Protecting, providing, and having strength and security for his family was #1.
Rod had a true passion for Ag at a young age, running tractors when he couldn’t even reach the pedals and had to sit on pillows. He began farming at 17, as soon as he was able to buy his first shares of American Crystal Sugar stock. He dedicated his life to making a successful farming operation, never wavering, never complaining, just always pushing through to do the right thing, to learn extremely good lessons along the way. He planted the beet crop this year, spent time in his combine, and in October watched his 42nd sugarbeet crop be harvested.
Rod had numerous accomplishments in his life, but closest to his heart were his children and his grandchildren. What saddened him the most was that his five little ones would not have their “Papa” watch them grow up.
Rod worked hard and played hard, yet still found time to represent numerous boards and organizations. He volunteered 32 years to the Halstad Fire Department, Halstad Township Board, Halstad Elevator Board Chairman, Valley United Board of Directors, and Halstad Mutual Fire Insurance Board.
His last 15+ years, he was involved in the sugar industry where he served on the Midway Truck Haul committee, Hillsboro Factory District Growers Board, as Chairman, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association Board where he also served on their Executive Committee and as Vice-President. He was an American Sugarbeet Growers Association Board member where he traveled to DC on several occasions and lobbied for the industry. His final accomplishment was representing the Hillsboro District on the American Crystal Sugar Board of Directors. He loved every aspect of this industry- the learning, giving input, being a mentor, and traveling to DC and other parts of the US. He enjoyed it all and looked forward to many more years of serving.
Rod had a wide circle of friends. Everyone who met him, worked with him, did business with him, you name it, could call him a friend and a mentor. He would joke that he had a limit on his friend list, so once he met someone that should be on the list, he had to drop someone off. His sense of humor through life made him such a fun guy and so easy to love and respect. He saw potential in everyone, and he thoroughly enjoyed having people come to him for advice and encouragement.
Rod & Anita loved spending time at their lake home. They loved to travel, taking numerous trips with family, friends, or their large Sugar family. Rod always looked forward to their next adventure.
Rod will be sorely missed by his “lovey” of 38 ½ years, Anita; his daughter, Brittany (Mike) Peschel, West Fargo ND; sons, Blake (Katie) Olson, Detroit Lakes, MN and Ryan (Cassidy Lizakowski) Olson, Ada, MN; his favorite little buddies and new princess, Jett and Cal Peschel, Graham and Nora Olson, and Ryker Olson; sisters, Angela (Peter) Matthews, Kittery, ME, Teresa (Mike) Trygg, Otsego, MN, and Roberta (Robert) Hettervig, Halstad, MN; nephew, Ross (Kate Hilts) Hettervig, Washington, DC; aunts, uncle, and cousins; mother-in-law; brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; father-in-law; brother-in-law; and close friends, Jason, Ronnie, Jeff and Spike.
Rod had a love filled, successful and well lived life – who can ask for more!
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, December 13, 2024 at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN, with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM.
Interment: East Marsh River Lutheran Cemetery, Halstad, MN.
