Robert A. Olsen

Robert A. Olsen, 60, of North Wagner went to be with the Lord peacefully at Phillips County Hospital in Malta, Montana on March 3, 2026. He fought a hard fought battle with stage-4 colon cancer and he won because he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Robert was born in Malta, Montana on August 20, 1965 to Duane and Frances Olsen of North Wagner. He grew up and lived his entire life on the family ranch. He attended elementary through High School at Dodson Public Schools in Dodson, MT. He graduated in 1984. After High school he continued ranching with his Dad and siblings and in 2001 the ranch was passed on to him and his two brothers, Wesley and Joel.

Robert had few hobbies but you could often catch him with a Louis L'amour or Zane Grey book in one hand and a large glass of milk or a coca cola in the other.

He was part of a bowling league with his Dad and brothers, Wesley and Joel and often times, more than not, they brought home the trophy.

Robert was a jack of all trades, a "MacGyver" if you will, and ranching was in his blood. He had a cowboy's heart-not just in how he worked but in how he lived. He understood the land, respected hard work and carried himself with true quiet grit. There was almost nothing he couldn't fix. If a machine was broken, you wanted Robert there. He had the rare gift of figuring things out with his hands, his patience and his determination. He did not give up easily on a problem, on a person or in life as shown by his fight with cancer.

Robert loved animals in a way that spoke volumes about his heart and character. Dogs trusted him and horses responded to him. Animals sensed what we always knew-that he was steady, kind and safe. His work at pulling calves and his gentleness with the cow and calf and his great sadness and disappointment when one didn't make it, show what an amazing man he was and what a great gift he had. There was gentleness in him that balanced out his toughness. You could see his care and compassion with his beloved dogs, Duke, Gus, Sam, and Abby as well as his horses Gunsmoke and Red.

When he fought cancer, he fought with the same courage and resolve he brought to everything else. He rarely complained, he didn't seek attention, he endured with strength and dignity while maintaining awareness and concern of others around him that never left him, even in his hardest moments.

Robert was a man of integrity. He said what he meant and meant what he said (although sometimes bluntly). You never had to guess where you stood with him. His words were honest, his promises were solid and his character was dependable. If you needed help, he was there. If you were hurting, he noticed. If you were cold, he would give you the shirt off his back. He was the kind of son who called his mom every single day, just to make sure she was doing ok. He was the kind of brother who was always checking in and if you needed anything done, he was there. He was the kind of friend who may not always have called or got together with them, but talked about them often with great admiration. When asked what he wanted everyone to know and remember about him, he didn't brag about his accomplishments (he could have, there are many). He stated, "l want my family to know how much I love them... with my whole heart".

Most importantly, this year he came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His faith gave him peace in his last days on earth. It carried him through his darkest valleys. His family and friends take comfort in knowing his suffering is over.

While going through treatment, he commented several times " just want to ring that bell" (referring to the 'finished with treatments bell'). He never did get to ring that bell here on earth. But Rob, we hope all the bells in heaven are ringing loudly because you are indeed healed!

Robert is survived by his precious mom, Frances Olsen of Malta and his 6 siblings: Patty (Will) Hubbell of Miles City, Sheila (Mark) Nathe of Malta. Wesley Olsen and Joel Olsen of North Wagner. Michael Olsen of Great Falls and Amber Olsen of Malta. He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Margie Clausen of Malta, Phil and Edith Scott of Billings, Donald Slaymaker of Great Falls. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and 11 great-nieces and nephews. He also wanted to mention his dear family friends: Dan and Barb Arensmeyer, Tom and Kathy Brown, Don and Donna Boots, Sid and Merrimae Solberg, his life-long friends, Larry Solberg and Paul Mortenson and friends Ode and Wendy Stene.

He was proceeded in death by his Dad, Duane Olsen, his grandparents Arthur and Miriam Olsen and Bud and Hazel Slaymaker, honorary Grandparents Jerry and Kay Lindner and several aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. Any memorial donations can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Sletten Cancer Center in Havre.