Helen & Richard Olson

A graveside service for Helen & Richard will be 2:30 PM Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Corpus Christi Cemtery in Ft Dodge, IA.

Helen Olson:

Helen T, as she was called, was born on June 6, 1928 to Hugh and Helen McMahon at Mercy Hospital in Fort Dodge. She was the youngest of 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. Helen was baptized, made her First Communion, was confirmed and was married at Sacred Heart Church.

She married Dean Olson in 1950. Dean and Helen had 4 children; Mary, Barbara, Linda and Richard. The family lived in Lake Mills, IA, Ottumwa, IA and Edina, MN. Dean and Helen were both teachers, Dean was a Band and Orchestra teacher, Helen was a high school English teacher.

Helen was divorced in 1978, however she maintained cordial relations with Dean’s father and brothers.

Helen continued to regularly visit Fort Dodge as her Mother lived there until her death in 1992. Her sister, Sister Mary McMahon was the Principal of Sacred Heart Grade School and a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary order. She died in 1990. Sister Mary is buried nearby with the BVM’s at Corpus Christi Cemetery. Fort Dodge and Sacred Heart were major influences in Helen’s life.

Helen lived from 1966-2007 in the Twin Cities, retired from teaching in 1990. She enjoyed reading, writing, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, traveling to Hawaii and being with her family. She lived her Catholic faith and brought her children up in the Catholic faith. Helen spent her elderly years living with daughter, Linda and husband Scott Tilsen, in Cape Girardeau, MO. Helen did have tragedy in her life with the death of her grandson, Nicholas Anderson in 2013 and the death of her son, Richard Olson in 2021.

Helen maintained a cheerful attitude and looked forward to each day. She was a loving, supportive Mother and friend, and she always enjoyed having a good time being with her family. She is sadly and lovingly missed.

Richard Olson:

Richard "Rich" Dean Olson, age 64, died peacefully on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center, after an 8 year battle with cancer.

He was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Dean and Helen Olson. He grew up in Iowa and Edina, Minnesota and he attended Lincoln Land Community College.

He is preceded in death by his father and one nephew, Nicholas Anderson.

Rich is survived by his mother; three sisters, Mary Anderson, Barbara Englund (David) and Linda Tilsen (Scott); two nieces, Valerie Anderson, Erica Klevay (Robert); one nephew, Patrick Tilsen (Lindsey Colyer); two great-nieces; and one uncle, Loran Olson.

Rich lived in the Springfield area for 43 years. He was a talented drummer and an expert auto mechanic. He played the drums for 50 years in many different musical groups including jazz, swing, country, and rock bands. He was a percussionist in the Springfield Municipal Band and the Springfield Symphony. Rich loved good food, good music, his pets, and travels to Yellowstone National Park. He treasured his family and friends.