Richard D. ‘Dick’ ‘Dixie’ Olson, 88

Published 9:52 am Friday, April 15, 2016

Richard D. “Dick” “Dixie” Olson, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, just shy of his 89th birthday.

Richard ‘Dick’ ‘Dixie’ Olson

Richard was a lifelong resident of Austin and attended Austin High School (Class of 1945). He enlisted in the Navy during WWII where he served in the Pacific Theatre and participated in the first atomic bomb experiment. He married his wife of 67 years, Helen, in 1948 and returned to Austin to begin his family and his lifelong employment with the Milwaukee Railroad, where he retired after 30 years of service.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, as much for the chance to be with friends as for the sport itself. He was also an avid auction participant, as his collection of antique clocks and furniture will attest to.

Survivors include his loving wife, Helen; son, Rick (Lynda) Olson; daughters, Stasia (Tony) Nelson, Peggy (Rick) Pelzl; son, Eddie Olson; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

The family’s heartfelt gratitude goes out to Hospice and St. Mark’s in Austin for their tender loving care at the end.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016, at Mayer Funeral Home with Chaplain Theresa Turnbull officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91 and V.F.W. Post No. 1216. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.