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Obituary

Robert (Bob) Lewis Olson

November 10, 2020 | 4 comments

Robert (Bob) Lewis Olson, 86, of Black River Falls, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2020 at home in Black River Falls, WI.

He was born on November 28, 1933 to Melvin and Violette Olson. He married Jean Eckel on August 28, 1998 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

He enjoyed collecting and restoring John Deere tractors, going on tractor rides and going to tractor shows. Bob and two good friends started the first tractor ride in Wisconsin. He served three years in the Navy. Bob retired from the Jackson Co. Highway Department. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; brother, Roger; sister, Verda Stewart; two sons, Rick (Diane) Olson and Gene Olson; one daughter, Kimberly (Karl) Kannenberg; two grandchildren, Tricia (Jeffery) Waughtal and Tracey (Amy) Olson; five great-grandchildren, Nick and Connor Waughtal; Jordyn, Travis, and Mia Olson, as well as five sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Father, Melvin; Mother, Violette Olson; two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and his grandson, Travis Olson.

The family would like to thank the hospice team who helped Bob out in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to BRF hospice.

A drive-thru visitation will be held on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, W16679 County Road D, Ettrick, WI 54627. There will be a private family service with military honors.

Condolences

4 Comments

  1. David Adams

    Rest in peace , Bob , sure enjoyed picking your brain on old John Deeres and going on tractor rides with you as well . Condolences to the family .

  2. Chris Boyens

    Thoughts, strength, and prayers to the Olson family. I’m not alone in saying I will miss the ornery Norwegian. He was a gold mine of knowledge and a prized story teller. We will treasure his memory and look forward to having a beer and a Ruben sandwich again someday with my friend.

  3. Steve Spors

    My very best to Bob Olson & his family.
    Loved our talks, chats & his stories were the absolute best.
    Am truly humbled meeting him.

    His love for John Deere & mine were our bond…. but it went beyond that.
    Thank you Bob….

    Truly … Thank you

  4. JAMES BARDEEN

    I have so many fond memories of Bob. We took many trips together, the Wichita swap meet, the Wolf Point Montana auction in 2010, the LeSeur swap meets, plus many other John Deere related trips that took us out of state. Bob’s knowledge of the farming business and especially, the John Deere tractors, made him widely known by many folks. With his guidance, we started the Great Wisconsin Tractor Ride, and as a result, other tractor ride events unfolded in the state. He had a knack of connecting with people of same interests, regardless of what tractor they favored. For these reasons, he will always be fondly remembered. Thanks for the wonderful memories, and the friendship that endured.

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