Dale Orvin Olson

Dale Orvin Olson, age 79, of Thornton, CO passed away on August 7, 2026. He was born in Kenmare, ND to Leonard Delton Olson and Inez Louise (Johnson) Olson. He attended schools in Viola, Carpio, Donnybrook, and Kenmare, graduating from Kenmare High School in 1965. He played basketball on the winning team for the North Dakota Class B state championship that year.

Dale attended Minot State College from 1965-69 where he earned a B.A. Degree in Math. While at Minot State, he met Marie LaBarre. They were married on May 4, 1968.

After college they moved to Seattle, WA for a short time and then moved to Columbus, GA when Dale was in the Army. After Dale returned from Vietnam, they moved to Tolna, ND where they lived for 5 years.

From 1975-79 they lived in Minot, ND. In October 1979 they moved to Winter Park, CO where they ran the family restaurant. In 1982 they came to the Denver area where they lived in Northglenn, Westminster, Arvada, and finally Thornton. Marie passed away in 2006.

On June 30, 2007, Dale married Mary Rich of Normal, IL. He enjoyed playing pinochle, traveling, and visiting friends and family. Dale was also talented at woodworking and home improvement projects. Dale helped many people with finishing their basements and other projects. He was the guy to call if you needed something fixed. He also sold health and life insurance for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Mary Olson; his children Tamera (Patrick) Hoyt, Tina (Rich) Purdy, Nanette (George) Olson-Martinez, and Christopher (Jennifer) Olson; stepsons Karl (Magda) Rich and Erik (Tiffany) Rich; grandchildren Ryan and Laurel Hoyt, Drew Olson, Victoria and Olivia Martinez and Genevieve, Gabriella, Bradley, and Charlotte Olson; step grandchildren Zora and Matilda Rich and Emilie, Kyle, and Genevieve Rich; his brother, Gerald (Ardys) Olson, sister Joy Parkinson and twin brother Delton (Rose) Olson; in-laws Glenda Olson, Irene Olson, and Jan Olson. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws also survive.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Marie Olson; grandson Michael Olson; his parents Leonard and Inez Olson; brothers Leonard, Rodney, Walter, and Rolland; and brother-in-law Rich Parkinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.