Paul M. Olson, 97

One week prior to his 98th birthday, on October 21, 2023, Paul M. Olson, age 97, of Presho, South Dakota, left this earth for his heavenly home.

He had been a resident at Milestone Senior Living in Faribault, MN, since July of this year.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at the Presho American Lutheran Church on November 4, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, Nov. 3 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Interment will be held at the Presho Cemetery in Presho, South Dakota.

Paul Martin, the son of Hans Martin and Hilda (Mogen) Olson was born October 28, 1925, in Presho, South Dakota.

Paul grew up in Presho and proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII. On June 5, 1949, Paul was united in marriage to LaVerne Moe in White Lake, South Dakota; they celebrated 74 years together this past June. Paul managed a service station for several years in Presho before becoming a rural mail carrier for the USPS for 38 years. Paul was a man who loved and served his community. He had a strong faith in Jesus as his Savior and served his church in a variety of ways. Patriotism and serving his country were a high priority for Paul, and he was a 78 year member of American Legion Post #89.

In 2010, Paul was chosen to be on the Honor Flight to recognize his service to his country. He was proud to have served as the Presho Cemetery caretaker until he was 93 years old as well as being President of the Cemetery Association for 60 years. An avid sports fan, Paul was given an award for Best Fan for Athletics and was inducted into the Lyman High School Hall of Fame in 2019. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for his years as a faithful member of the Presho Medicine Creek Lions Club. In August of 2023, Paul along with LaVerne received the South Dakota Hall of Fame Acts of Excellence award for a lifetime of exemplary service to their community. Paul had many fond memories of going fishing in his childhood, and he continued to enjoy fishing for most of his life.

He also enjoyed league bowling, golfing, watching sports, playing cribbage, traveling with his wife after retirement and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, LaVerne; daughter, Paula (and Dr. Michael) Hildebrandt of Faribault, Minnesota; son, David Olson of Yankton, South Dakota; grandsons, Dan (and Heather) Hildebrandt and Eric (and Alisha) Hildebrandt, great grandchildren, Nora, Everett and Isla Hildebrandt; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Hilda Olson; children, Vern and Kristi in infancy; sisters, Alpha (and Lawrence) Ambur, Alice (and Don) Sanderson; Clara (and Ira) Scott and Arlene (and Arvid) Ambur.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lions Leader Dogs for the Blind, Presho American Lutheran Church or Allina Hospice - Owatonna, Minnesota.

Visit boldtfuneralhome. com for information and guestbook.