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DANIEL OLSON Obituary
June 18, 1937 - February 21, 2025
The presence of greatness. That is our DaddyO.
A wordsmith, a storyteller, a man whose words reached into the soul and psyche of those who read his book, letters, heard his sermons and were captivated by his speeches.
Some referred to him as a God Carrier and a Teacher of the Holy Spirit. A Lutheran Minister, A Missionary Man. From the Sands of Ethiopia, the Ivory Coast, Uganda, Namibia to Liberia and surviving a plane crash in Sierra Leone, our Dad was a vessel of goodness and kindness who did not want to be venerated on a pedestal but should be.
A husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a humanitarian for all. He started Gifts of Hope at our parents' church in Surprise, AZ and raised over half million dollars to buy generators, to build wells and to provide livestock to families in need in his beloved Africa.
A caretaker to his kids and wife when she became ill with Guillain Barre and her mobility was assisted by a wheelchair for the rest of her long and beautiful life. His family always came first. His sons, Peter and Joel live in Santa Fe and Chris lives in Northern New Mexico. Daughters Julie and Jennifer live in Phoenix where they were caregivers to our parents.
A quiet and gentle man brimming with wisdom and strength. Our Rock. Our leader of the band. The nurses and hospice remarked they never saw a heart as strong as his so close to death, but we knew better. Rest in peace Daddy0, you are now with Mom.
Time has ended, eternity has begun.
We love you so.
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Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL OLSON
Sponsored by The Santa Fe New Mexican.
Allan A Grundahl
June 28, 2025
As a Concordia '59 classmate with Dan, whom I knew as a strong leader in our class, but without contact with him since then, I was gratified to learn of his wonderful service in Africa. My two year internship from Luther Seminary, in St Paul, MN, (1963-65) was in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. I fell in love with the people of Africa, but we ended up serving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada instead. God bless both the memory and the work of Dan and Barb - with divine comfort - and the assurance of reunion with all God's children in Christ.
Frank and Lois Cardarelle
April 19, 2025
It was late in the 1960's when Dan and Barb Olson became our neighbors in Edina, Minnesota. We became friends quickly since our kids were happy to have Peter ad Chris as neighborhood playmates. We soon discovered that Dan and Barb reflected the old saying "Practice what you preach." What a great example they both were! Bless them. They lived their lives with such great courage, strength and faith. Frank and I will always treasure their friendship. we send our sympathy and love to all the Olson family.
Laurie Eckblad Anderson
March 15, 2025
RIP Dan and Barb; you were such amazing people. Dan was a godly man, but he was also a live wire -- the first cool minister I ever met. When he came home from work, he'd "roughhouse" with us kids. Barb's illness was scary but her feisty recovery was a blessing. When Craig and I visited them in AZ years back, she welcomed us with fresh, homemade muffins. A few years ago we were corresponding and she painted a beautiful floral card for me. I will never forget them. Love to all five of you kids and your kids. Peace.
Pat Eckblad
March 15, 2025
A great man and good friend ... our sons shared much fun in their childhood days. My husband, since deceased will be happy to see Dan again... they were good friends
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Jennifer Lee
February 28, 2025
So soon after your mom! My prayers are with you during his difficult time. Their arduous journey is at an end - may they both rest in His Loving Embrace now.
Cindy Noble Renken
February 27, 2025
Your parents were my best friends when I went through pre high school and high school. When they served at Arco I babysat for them often. Dan would join the youth group at the lake and enjoy the water with us. He was a good leader and guide. He married Mike Renken and I right after he moved to Edina in his new church. Your mom was expecting Joel at the time and she was our soloist for the wedding. We really loved them. Cindy Noble Renken
Randy Noble
February 24, 2025
You have our sympathy. Pastor Dan was in Arco Mn many years ago. We loved him then and he left a great deal of memories here Many times I wondered how and what he was doing. Many prayers to his family. I believe Peter and Chris were born when they were here. We loved Barb also she was an awesome person. Randy Noble
Jeanne Boche
February 23, 2025
My sympathy to your family upon your father´s passing. I knew him when he was a pastor with Dallas Blenkush and I was church secretary at St. John´s church in Lakeville Mn. I now attend Spirit of Grace in Sun City Grand Surprise Az. Heard of his passing this morning at church. God´s comfort to you during this time of sorrow.
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