Carl Olson

Carl Olson, 69, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 19, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service.
A livestream of Carl's funeral service can be viewed at: https://www.downtownfirstumc.com/worship-using-technology
Carl Alfred Olson was born on July 27th, 1955, to Clyde and Esther (Weber) Olson in Mitchell, SD. He attended school at Plano and graduated from Artesian High School in 1973. In 1958, when Carl was three years old, he made his first visit to Mayo Clinic. At the age of 14, he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Carl made many trips to Rochester in his lifetime. Carl received three kidneys and a pancreas. He was forever thankful to the people who made the choice to be a donor. The Gift of Life Transplant House was a great place to stay when you were a transplant patient.
Carl worked at 3M in Mitchell until a torn retina in his left eye caused him to be blind in that eye, also his kidneys were failing, and he was put on dialysis and the transplant list. In 1979, he purchased a acreage a mile east of Mitchell and called it home for 45 years. He loved working on the acreage, whether it was planting trees, spraying weeds or fixing fence. He was very particular about his fence. He and his dad did a lot of fencing on the acreage and if a post wasn't just right, they took it out and started over. Even with little eyesight he mowed weeds, pushed snow along with enjoying the wildlife down by the creek. Ever since a young age, Carl always had an interest in cars, trucks motorcycles, and snowmobiles. He liked to tinker and work with his hands. Carl was very proud to tell you about his skydiving experience in California, and his Alaskan Cruise.
Even though he had numerous health issues, doctor appointments, he kept upbeat with a positive attitude. He talked often to Adam in Heaven, who he called his guardian angel, and asked him to watch over him.
A text from Carl sent to his sister Mary:
I'm counting my blessing and you are #1
Love you Carl
He is survived by his siblings, Jeanie (Eugene) Wohl of Lodi, CA, Mary (Larry) Crane of Mitchell, and Robert Olson of Mitchell.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Adam Crane.
Memorials can be directed to First United Methodist Church, 310 N Rowley Street Mitchell, SD 57301; or to Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.