Kenneth W. Olson, 85, of Redfield, SD, died Friday, March 20, 2009 at Eastern Star Home in Redfield. His funeral will be Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service and Masonic service starting at 6:30 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Wayne Olson was born November 27, 1923 on the family farm near Turton to Elmer and Selma (Clausen) Olson. He attended rural school through the eighth grade and graduated from Brentford High School in 1941. He worked for Boeing in Seattle, WA for a few years before returning to South Dakota. Kenny married Shirley Ames on May 6, 1945 in Redfield. They bought a farm where they lived and raised their family. They spent many happy years together, raising their children Kenneth Jr. and Kristi. Shirley passed away in 1990. Kenny continued living on the farm and married Dakotah Spear on April 27, 1992. In 2001, they moved into Redfield and lived in their home until Dakotah's death in 2005. Ken then moved to the Eastern Star Home, renewing many old friendships and making many new ones.

Kenny was a member of the Redfield United Methodist Church and a 60 year member of the Brentford Masonic Lodge. He served as a director of Farmer's State Bank in Turton from 1971 - 2006 and had served as director and Chairman of the Board of Farmers Union Oil Co. of Redfield for about 25 years. He enjoyed bowling for many years in the Prairie League in Redfield, spending time at the cabin on Big Stone Lake, and at the farm.

Blessed to have shared his life are his children Ken (Cheryl) Olson of Turton, and Kris (Jim) Johnson of Sioux Falls; two grandchildren: Aaron Olson and Sophia Johnson and his brother Delvin (Betty) Olson of Aberdeen. He is also survived by Dakota's family Wendy (Mike) Beckler, Allen (Marvie) Spear, Rex and Rick Spear and also many step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Shirley, Dakotah, and a granddaughter, Megan Olson.