Darwin Allen Olson

Darwin Allen Olson, 75, of Lake City passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015.

He was born Sept. 3, 1940, to Christina and James Olson, of Austin. Darwin's mother lost her battle with cancer when he was very young. His father worked hard to provide but ultimately signed authorization allowing young Darwin to join the Army at the age of 16. He completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colo., and was later stationed in Korea. He shared his experience through letters, cards and photographs with the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Walker.
Darwin was honorably discharged in 1959 and immediately returned home to begin a life together with Barbara. They were married on Oct. 23, 1959, and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary just a few short days ago.

Darwin began his working career as a sales representative for S.M. Supply Company in Rochester. In July 1969, he made the decision to join C.O. Brown Insurance, where he later became president and was instrumental in the development, growth and success of the company through his last and final day with us.

He would lend his business and leadership skills to many other organizations over the years including:

• The Byron Jaycees where he was awarded "Man of the Year" in 1970
• The Byron Industrial Group
• The Byron Business Association
• The Byron School Board-multiple terms
• The Rochester Chamber of Commerce
• The Olmsted County Historical Society
• The Olmsted County Park Board
• and many other community service and nonprofit organizations.

When his children showed an interest in horses, he developed a deep passion all his own. As was his nature, he took a very humble beginning in the Morgan Horse Show circuit and through hard work turned it into numerous Grand National & World Championship showings. In addition, he became the nominee for various leadership positions until ultimately serving as president of the American Morgan Horse Association.

In a similar demonstration of his aversion to "playing small," Darwin entered the horse racing business when Canterbury Downs brought the sport to Minnesota. In an entirely different sport and breed he achieved the pinnacle of success when the Olsons' horse "Itsallinthechase" ran in the Breeders' Cup and qualified and ran for the roses in the 128th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2002.

Darwin is survived by his wife and one true love, Barbara, whose steadfast partnership made it possible to create and share these and many other noteworthy adventures with family and a host of wonderful friends.

Their three children David Olson (Kelly), of Rochester, Minn., Brad Olson, Byron, Minn., and Darci Nice, Polson, Mont., are eternally grateful for the gift of truly outstanding parents in every sense of the word.
Barb and Darwin have also richly blessed the lives of their nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Brad's children: Julie (Sam) Nelson, Liberty Lake, Wash. (great-grandchildren, Cohen and Thea), Darwin James Olson, Stewartville, Minn.

Dave's children: Madison Faupel, Minneapolis, Minn., Paige Faupel, Rochester, Minn., Blake Olson, Rochester, Minn.

Darci's children: Marisa Binder, Missoula, Mont, Kaelyn Binder, Missoula, Mont., Brogan Nice, Polson, Mont., Ciri Nice, Polson, Mont.

Darwin is also survived by his sister, Joyce, of Austin; and extended family whom he valued dearly.

A visitation will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minn.).

The memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Road SW), with a visitation one hour before the service. Any memorials are suggested to Season's Hospice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. ranfranzandvinefh.com.