Richard Arlen Olson, age 94, of Avoca, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026. Born on Christmas Day in 1931, to Lillian (Swenson) and Melvin Olson, Richard lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast service, and an unwavering devotion to his family and community.
Immediately after graduating from Spring Valley High School, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War era. He carried the Marine Corps values of integrity, honor, and loyalty throughout his life, shaping the way he worked, served, and loved.
For 70 years, Richard was a proud member of the American Legion, faithfully carrying the American flag as part of the Color Guard in every Memorial Day Service and parade his post participated in. His military service was recognized in 2017 when his tile was installed on the WI Korean War Veterans Memorial in Plover, an honor he accepted with humility and deep pride.
Richard built a distinguished career at Hooper Construction, beginning as an apprentice lineman and rising to retire as a superintendent. Known for his fierce work ethic and sharp intellect, he earned broad respect for his ability to navigate complex negotiations with landowners and public stakeholders. His colleagues admired his steady leadership and exceptional skill.
Service to others was the constant thread of Richard’s life. He was a long-standing member of the Avoca Volunteer Fire Department, served two terms as Village President, spent more than a decade on the Avoca/Pulaski Fire Board, and continued as the Village Zoning Officer well into his eighties. His deep empathy for his neighbors inspired him to help found the Riverdale Food Pantry, where he served as Director until passing the role to his daughter in 2012.
A devout member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Richard served on the parish council and was a trusted friend and right hand to parish priests. Until illness forced his retirement at age 92, he served as the sexton of the church cemetery, tending the grounds with reverence and creating a peaceful, pastoral resting place for families visiting their loved ones.
When he wasn’t serving his community, Richard was on the golf course—his favorite place to unwind. He played five days a week from retirement until age 92, sharing 25 years of friendship and fairways with his golfing partner, David Speigle. Between shots, he collected lost golf balls, donating thousands to the Veteran Service Office for troops overseas and to local schools. His sons delighted in writing “Hi Dad” on their own golf balls, knowing he would eventually find them among the others.
In the quiet, steadfast way of his Norwegian heritage, Richard kept his emotions close. Yet his pride in his six children was boundless, revealed not in grand declarations but in the way he bragged about them—and their families—to friends, neighbors, and anyone he met.
Above all, Richard’s greatest joy was his family. He fiercely loved and supported his children and their families, celebrating every milestone with devotion and delight.
Richard is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rosie, who preceded him in death 14 years ago. His love for her never wavered; for nearly a decade and a half, he visited her resting place every day his health allowed—a beautiful testament to their enduring and eternal bond.
Richard is survived by and will be deeply missed by his six children and their families, Debbie (Jim) Patch of Muscoda, David (Terry) Olson of Dodgeville, Tom (Lori) Olson of Stoughton, Lori (Mike) Pink of Highland Teri (Russell Zingg) Olson of Cobb, Steve Olson of Avoca; Grandchildren: Mike (Katie) Patch, Nick Patch, Matty Olson, Michelle (Dan) Tobie, Ryan (Brittany) Olson, Rebeca (Anthony) Monsma, Heather (Frank) Rose, Michael Pink, Josh (Kelsey) Pink, Emma Pink, Jessica (Holly) Potts, Dylan Imhoff, Rachel (Nick) Landia, Matthew Olson, Christopher (Josh Greco) Olson; Great-grandchildren: Brooklynn & Sarah Patch, Kiah Nachtigal, Everett & Elijah Olson, River & Brooks Monsma, Ava & Brynn Rose, Everly Potts, and Skye, Rex, Alex & Rosie. Brother Duane (Karen) Olson; Sister Joan (Danny) Croes, Sister-in-Law, Mildred Olson, Brother-in-Law, Gary Putman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Melvin Olson, Brother Myron Olson, Sister, Judy Putman and Granddaughter Sabrina Olson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Avoca. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with military graveside rites to be conducted by the Avoca American Legion Post 335. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Riverdale Food Pantry, 361 Lisa St., Muscoda, WI 53573 or a charity of your choice. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. prattfuneralservice.com
Rest in Peace Mr. R.A. Olson—you leave this earth deeply loved, admired, and respected. Your energy, kindness, and presence will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to hold a place in your heart, share in your story, and be touched by the warmth and generosity you so freely gave. Your memory will live on in the countless lives you impacted.