Joel Olson

Joel Olson, of Newfolden, MN, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 65.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with a Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Sheila Michaels officiating. A sunset burial will follow at the Viking Cemetery in Viking, MN.

Joel Dean Olson was born on April 5, 1960, in Warren, MN, to DuWayne and Janice (Dau) Olson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith, and his values were reflected in the way he lived – with humility, and generosity.

Joel was a lifelong resident of Marshall County, MN, and graduated from Marshall County Central High School in 1978.

On September 5, 1981, Joel married the love of his life, Rhonda Lynn Kezar, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN. Together they built a life surrounded with tough love, hard work, and family, raising two daughters – Carissa and Jerica.

Joel's love for the land started on the family farm at a young age. He and his brother, Jeff, began custom combining at ages 9 and 11. They also spent many summers building grain bins in their teenage years. Throughout his life Joel worked for Kegg Turkey Farms, the Viking Elevator, Bergeron Farms, and Davidson Construction, all the while continuing to work the family farm.

Hunting season was something Joel lived for. The preparation, planning, and anticipation was like being a kid on Christmas morning. Many happy memories were made during deer season and at deer camp. For many years he was a member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and the Agassiz Rod and Gun Club.

Joel's love for the outdoors was larger than just hunting season. He enjoyed watching wildlife and learning their habits and patterns. Joel looked forward to the changing of seasons, especially the fawns being born each spring. Evening drives kept Joel connected with nature and brought solitude.

He enjoyed listening to the Trading Post, phone calls with family and friends, auction sales, dreaming up new recipes for his wife to make, and giving nicknames to those important to him. He was a self-proclaimed pillar of the community. Over the years Joel planted large fields of corn, pumpkins, and potatoes. Sharing the harvest was very important to him, donating hundreds of pounds of potatoes to area church suppers. Bartering with his homemade pickles was also a favorite pastime. (He still wants his damn jars back!)

His presence was a familiar and comforting one to many in the area. He had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom - if you had a problem, he would assess the situation and give orders on how to fix it. If you still couldn't fix it, Joel's instructions were, "Figure it out!".

Joel's life will be remembered for his hard-working mentality and caring for those he surrounded himself with. His passion for the outdoors will continue to reflect in his grandson, Drake, who is often found outside hunting, fishing, or riding motorcycle, just like his Grampy.

Joel is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda of Newfolden, MN; daughters, Carissa Olson (Nick Dansby) of Downer, MN, and Jerica Olson (Jaki Kupchin) of The Dalles, OR; cherished grandson, Drake Joel Dansby; sisters, Deb Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, and Denise Olson (Jim LaCoursiere) of Red Lake Falls, MN; mother-in-law, Renie Kezar of Thief River Falls, MN; brother-in-law, Jeff Kezar (Beth Sheehan) of Thief River Falls, MN; sister-in-law, Jana (Matthew) Martin of Thief River Falls, MN; grand dogs, Bane, Byrdie, Aster, Aero, and Miska; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and a close circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Janice and DuWayne Olson; brother, Jeff Olson; sister, Dawn Walsh; grandparents, Ingrid and Venus Dau and Mabel and Willie Olson; father-in-law, Randy Kezar; dogs, Deuce, Nosler, Ali, and Ziegler; and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com