Olson, Michael F.

Michael F. Olson, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Leeds, IA on November 28, 2025.

Per his wishes, Mike was cremated and no services are planned.

Mike was born on December 16, 1947, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the son of Clifford D. and Bette Jean (Osborne) Olson. As a  youngster in 1950 Mike with his family moved to Belvidere, South Dakota, to live with his beloved grandparents on the LX7 ranch.

For Mike’s primary education he attended  Buffalo School, a one room country school near Belvidere SD, and Robbinsdale Elementary in Rapid City, SD. Mike completed his education at Leeds High School,  Leeds Sioux City, IA.  From there he attended Boise State College in Idaho, before continuing to Westmar College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Mike earned his way through college by driving truck part time for his stepfather Eldon “Goldie” Goldsmith. He later became an instructor at Western Iowa Technical Community College (WITCC), imparting his knowledge and expertise to aspiring truck drivers. His career culminated in a retirement from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, where he served with distinction. Additionally, Mike was a proud former member of the Teamsters Union, reflecting his dedication to the labor movement and worker rights.

A passionate sports fan, Mike, displayed unwavering loyalty to the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Green Bay Packers. Mike enjoyed playing amateur hockey in the Sioux City no check league. He also found joy in golfing, fishing at the Missouri river and spending time at the LX7 ranch with his brothers, family and friends. These times were and  always will be treasured, the time spent with his family, engaging in conversation and sharing experiences brought them closer together.

Mike is survived by his son, Tim Olson of Newark, DE, and his daughter, Lori Olson-Newton, along with her husband Corey, of Sun City, AZ. He was a proud grandfather to Tyler and wife Alexa Olson of Glendale, AZ, and Spencer Olson and fiancé Huntington of Sun City, AZ. He is also survived by his brothers: Stuart and wife Eileen Goldsmith of Gillette, WY, Jerry and wife Shirley Olson of Dodgeville, WI, Doug Olson and significant-other Cheri Girard of Sioux City, IA, stepbrother Jim and wife Tammy Goldsmith of Blue Mounds, Wi,  stepsisters Carla Andersen, and Donna Ahlsten both of Sioux City, IA. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Edith Olson, WI, Wilder and Wanda Osborn, SD, parents Clifford D. Olson, WI and Bette Jean (Osborn) Goldsmith, IA, stepfather Eldon Goldsmith, IA, brother-in-law Rich Andersen, IA and nephews Ryan Goldsmith, WI and Matt Ahlsten, IA.