Kenneth M. Olson

Kenneth (Ken) Melroy Olson - Pine Island, MN February 4, 1946 – September 21, 2025

Ken (79) of Pine Island died at his home in rural Pine Island as a result of pancreatic cancer and complications of an accident in October 2023. He now joins the Lord as a volunteer in heaven.

He was born February 4th, 1946, in Red Wing, MN to Melroy and Shirley (Langsdorf) Olson, graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1964 and the University of Minnesota in 1969. Ken taught Agriculture, farmed near Zumbrota for 2 years and worked for the University of MN Extension Service for 30+ years, retiring in 2004.

In 1969 Ken married Nancy (Zeigler), raising 2 children, Matthew and Stephanie. They later divorced. In 1991, he married Lynn (Steinke) at their home in rural Zimmerman. Ken is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lynn, his children Matt and Stephanie VanDerBeek, 2 step children, five grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 1 great-grandson and sister, Wanda Samuelson (Dave) and a niece and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and sister Mary and nephew Bryce.

Ken enjoyed trail riding their horses and visiting the beautiful scenery of God's wonderful creation in many states. For nine years, they and their dogs, cats and horses wintered in Big Flat, AR in the beautiful Ozark Mountains near the Buffalo National River. He loved to cut and bale hay, cut firewood, drive his Minneapolis Moline tractors, and work in his shop.

A special thanks to Carisa Marcotte and Seasons Hospice for their wonderful care. Ken was a member of United Redeemer Lutheran Church and actively volunteered in several organizations including Back Country Horsemen of MN & Arkansas, Island Riders Saddle Club and Pine Island Area Community Foundation. Memorials are suggested to any of these organizations.

A celebration of life will be held on October 4th at the Dodge County Milton Town Hall from 11-3. We invite you to come visit and share memories of Ken. There will be a short program about 1pm. He lived his life following the idea that we are an offering by lifting our voices, our hands and our lives up to God.