Harold Olson

Hal Olson, 89, passed away peacefully at his Lewiston home on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.

He was born Aug. 7, 1936, in Spokane, to Axel and Gladys Olson. Hal spent his formative years in Spokane learning how to play the guitar and sing country music. He traveled throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana and California with the Hal Olson Band.

Hal met the love of his life, Genevieve Ahrens, in Shelby, Mont. In April of 1959, he and Gen were married. They had three children and were married 51 years before she passed in 2010.

For many years, Hal worked as a glazer for Inland Auto Glass by day. From the early 1960s to 2005, you could find Hal singing at one of the local dancehalls including the Stables, Elks, Moose and the Eagles. The Hal Olson Band featured some of the best guitar players around, such as Hal's good friend, Gene Capps.

For 46 years Hal, along with his travel partner Genevieve, spent most weekends announcing rodeos throughout the Northwest during the summer months. He had a love for the sport of rodeo and a deep respect for the countless number of contestants he had announced throughout the years. In 2006, Hal was honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the Wild Weippe Rodeo; a rodeo he had announced for 35 years. Hal was later honored by the Lewiston Roundup Association to be their 2018 Grand Marshal. He was very proud to be a part of the sport that he loved so much. Hal announced his last rodeo in 2011.

Hal loved singing and playing his guitar for his family and friends and at local community venues. He especially loved spending time with his great-grandchildren. Hal enjoyed a good day's work in his beautiful yard, followed by an ice cold Budweiser on his back porch. He was a genuinely nice and good man who will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Hal was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve; his daughter, Sheri Kostal, and his grandson, Kyle Kostal.

He is survived by his daughter Laurie and son-in-law Mario Jordan; his son Guy and daughter-in-law Maureen; son-in-law Bill Kostal; his sister Gloria Murphy; and his brother-in-law Roger Ahrens.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Dena (Levi) Berquist, Hank Kostal, Rial McKenzie, Aaron (Tabitha) Olson, and great-grandchildren: Sydney and Zane Olson, and Halle Berquist.

Hal's family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Heart 'N Home Hospice, specifically Kim, Brittany and Lacey, for the comfort, peace and dignity provided to Hal in his final years.

A service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home. Please join Hal's family and friends at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, for a gathering at the Elks Lodge in Lewiston to celebrate a life well lived.