Paul Olson

Paul A. Olson, age 76, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home in Brandon, SD, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Lake Preston Lutheran Church in Lake Preston, SD. Pastors Solveig Henrickson and Jeff Turner will officiate with music provided by Jodi Jensen as organist.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Lake Preston Lutheran Church.

Private Family Burial at North Preston Cemetery in rural Lake Preston, SD.

Paul was born February 10, 1950, in Lake Preston, South Dakota, to Dale and Ruth (Knutson) Olson. He attended six years at the Baker #6 country school before continuing his education at Lake Preston School, graduating in 1968. He later attended South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.

Following college, Paul worked in Sioux Falls, and Cherokee, Iowa. In 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Janel Baumberger, and returned to Lake Preston to farm alongside his father on the family farm. Farming was more than a career to Paul — it was his passion. He loved working outdoors and took great pride in caring for the land. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Azure and Syrena.

Paul was a devoted member of his church and community, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. He was baptized, confirmed, and taught Sunday School at North Preston Lutheran Church. He also served on the church council, the cemetery board, and faithfully helped with the church’s annual lutefisk supper. In addition, Paul served on the Lake Preston School Board, the Township Board, and the Soybean Association.

Paul cherished time spent with family and friends and was always ready with a story or a joke. In retirement, he especially enjoyed restoring his 1972 Nova SS and participating in car shows.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 50 years, Janel Olson; daughters Azure Olson (John Rybak), grandson Evan Hurtado, and Syrena (Sarah) Ethier; brother Jim (Julie) Olson; sister Sharon (Terry) Petheram; aunt Helen Lundwall; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ruth Olson; and his parents-in-law, Louis and Hazel Baumberger.

Arrangements entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Arlington, SD.

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