Duane Eugene Olson, 67, of Belle Fourche, SD, died Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Montana of complications caused by COVID-19. He departed this earth holding the hand of his beloved "Lynnie", while she gave him an earful for it.

Duane was born September 11, 1953 at John Burns Hospital in Belle Fourche to Alfred and Julia (Roberg) Olson. He was the youngest of five children, loved by siblings, LeRoy, Leone, Lloyd, and Norma. He grew up in Belle Fourche, spending time at the family ranch near Gustave, SD. Duane lost his father early in his life, and his sister, Leone fiercely protected and mothered him for the rest of his years, in response to their shared loss.

Duane graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1972. He began a career operating heavy equipment in the bentonite mining industry, working for IMC, Federal Bentonite Corporation, American Colloid Company, and Watson Trucking. He also worked briefly at the Wharf Resources gold mine during the 1990s. Duane regarded his work friends as his second family, and he was affectionately called "Dewey", "Ole", and "Buzzard Beak". He took great joy and pride in his work. He was employed with American Colloid Company at the time of his death.

On October 19, 1975, Duane married the love of his life, Lynn Nordstrom. To this union arrived two sons, Heath and Dustin. Later, they welcomed the additions of grandchildren, Tate, Trigg, Ava, and Jett. Duane never missed his children's or grandchildren's sporting events or school performances. He could often be heard cheering, or yelling at the referees, from the sidelines. His greatest treasures called him, "Papa".

Duane and Lynn were looking forward to his retirement in the summer 2021. They planned to become snow birds, traveling across the southern US during the winter months, pulling their camper behind them. In anticipation of their retirement, they had begun taking weekend "trial run" camping adventures, from which, miraculously, they returned each and every time still speaking with one another.

Duane was known and loved by many in his community, especially appreciated for his sense of humor. His family and friends will miss his laugh, his anecdotes, and his catchphrases. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. Duane was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche, and his spirituality and belief in his Savior were important to him, especially in his later years.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Lynn; sons and daughters-in-law, Heath and Emily (Pasek) Olson, Belle Fourche, and Dusty and Koral (Meyer) Olson, Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Tate Olson, Gillette, WY, Trigg Olson, Belle Fourche, and Ava and Jett Olson, Rapid City; mother-in-law, Kathleen Nordstrom, Belle Fourche; sister, Leone Moncur, Belle Fourche; brother, Lloyd Olson, Belle Fourche; sister-in-law, Jacki (Dave) Weidensee, Gilbert, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Lloyd Nordstrom; sister, Norma Leddy; and brother, LeRoy Olson.

Duane will be laid to rest in a private inurnment at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche. A celebration of Duane's life will be held in August 2021 for his friends and family.

A memorial has been established.