Willard G. Olson

Willard Galen Olson February 20, 1940 – September 20, 2025
Willard Galen Olson, of Burdick, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rooted in agriculture, education, and service to others. He was 85 years old.
Born on February 20, 1940, in Burdick, Kansas, Willard was raised on his family's farm and commercial livestock operation, where he developed a lifelong passion for agriculture. His interest in livestock was sparked at an early age during a visit to the Topeka Fair, and by age 12, he was active in 4-H, showing beef cattle and hogs and participating in livestock judging - a pursuit he continued through high school.
After graduation, Willard worked at the CK Ranch in Brookville, Kansas. It was during this time he met Shirley Schultz, whom he married May 28, 1961. Together they moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Willard earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. He was a proud member of the 1969 K-State Livestock Judging Team.
Willard dedicated 25 years of his professional life to the K-State Extension Service. A forward-thinker in his field, he pioneered the use of modern ultrasound equipment for carcass data collection in the livestock industry. He was a respected livestock judge at county and state fairs across the country and served as the beef cattle superintendent for both the Kansas State Fair and the Kansas Junior Livestock Show for 15 years.
Even after his retirement from K-State in 1995, Willard remained deeply involved in agriculture. He continued to offer the Olson farm and swine operation as an educational point for livestock teams for many years. The Olson's often hosted judging teams prior to the American Royal and provided classes for the K-State Judging camps for several years. Willard and Shirley also served as 4-H swine leaders. Their goal was to education and entertain every child that came through their door. Willard served on the National Duroc Board as well as the National Swine Registry Executive Board.
Willard is survived by one son, Casey (Kelsey) Olson and two grandchildren Nela and Covin Olson of Manhattan, one brother Dennis Olson of Elgin, OK and friend Maureen Peterson of Wichita, KS.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Olson, parents Melvin and Bertha (Smith) Olson, sisters Elaine Patton and Norma Green.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 4:30 until 6:00p.m. on Thursday September 25, 2025, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Hebron Lutheran Church in Burdick. Interment will follow at the Hebron Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Williard to the Hebron Lutheran Church, Lutheran Campus Ministry, or the Riley County 4-H. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com