LAUREL — Harry R. Olson, 97, Laurel, died March 27, 2023, at Hillcrest Care Center, Laurel. The 27th is also the same day as his father’s birthday.

Funeral services were March 30 at the United Presbyterian Church, Laurel, with the Rev. Charity Potter officiating.

Burial was at the Laurel cemetery. Pallbearers were Troy Becker, Paul Jacobsma, Dave Dendinger, Greg Lackas, Brian Oberhelm and David Badley. Honorary pallbearers were Harry’s great-grandchildren, Maci, Marlie, McKenna, Gavin, Lanie, Ella, Lydia, Lilly, Ava, Sloane, April, Emma, Carly and Derek.

Visitation and a prayer service were Wednesday at church, and continued Thursday, one hour prior to services at the church.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

Harry Olson was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Saint Edward, to Anton and Hilma (Jónson) Olson. Harry grew up on a farm near St. Edward. In March 1939, he moved south of Laurel and helped his Dad farm until he married Jeanette Alice Eby, May 28, 1950. They were blessed with two children, Sandra and Michael. Harry and Jeanette farmed 48 years northeast of Coleridge. They moved into Laurel in 2008.

Harry was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church, Laurel; Laurel Lions Club; and Senior Center Pool Players. He was an avid pool player and was playing pool up to two weeks before his passing.

Harry is survived by his wife of 72 years and 10 months, Jeanette, Laurel; daughter, Sandy (Mike) Becker, Winnetoon; son, Mike Olson and special friend, Donna Christoffers, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; five grandchildren, (Michelle) Mark Kroupa, Hadar; (Christi) Tyke Bartes, Omaha; (Troy) Maria Becker, Pierce; (Elizabeth) Paul Jacobsma, Elkhorn; (Emily) Olson, La Claire, Iowa; three step-grandchildren (Liz) Lane Woods, Fargo, N.D.; (Josh) Penny Anderson, Le Mars, Iowa; (Ryan) Angie Anderson, Rapid City, S.D.; great-grandchildren, Maci Kroupa, and fiancé, Derek Drudik, Sutton; Marlie Kroupa, Hadar; McKenna, Gavin, and Delanie Bartes, Omaha; Ella and Lydia Becker, Pierce, Lilly, Ava and Sloane Jacobsma, Elkhorn; step-great-grandchildren, April Woods, Fargo, N.D.; Emma and Carly Anderson, Rapid City, S.D.; and Pest, the cat.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Hilma Olson; daughter-in-law, Sue Richards Olson; brother, Herb (Glen), and wife, Sue Olson; and two infant brothers born in Sweden.