Tommy (Tom) Dean Olson passed away at age 78 on February 11, 2026, at Monument Health Hospital in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Tom was born to Benjamin and Dorothy (Fenner) Olson on January 4, 1948, in Sturgis, South Dakota. He’s the oldest of five children: Dickey (Dick) Olson, Harriet Lolley, Benny Olson, and Bobby Olson. In September 1967, Tom was drafted into the military, where he served until September 1973, when he was honorably discharged. Tom is a lifetime member of the VFW and also served as its commander for many years.

Tom worked for various rodeo contractors at a young age, traveling to different rodeos, including the NFR. As he was traveling to different rodeos, Tom tried his hand at some bull riding. Tom’s biggest love in life was motorsports, whether it was demolition derbies, car races, or flat-track races. Every Friday night, you could find Tom at the Black Hills Speedway either racing his own car or being a member of a pit crew for some other driver.

Tom became a member of the Jackpine Gypsies Club, where he flagged many flat track races. He is an AMA official and a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association. You knew Tom was at the track when you would see a yellow four-wheeler driving around the track. He loved to watch his son and grandson race flat track. He never played favorites when it came to racing. He black-flagged his own son several times when he was flagging a race that his son was participating in. He also never played favorites with his grandson when he was racing.

One of Tom’s other favorite sports was darts. He helped many young people get their start in throwing darts. He would throw darts five nights a week. He went to many dart tournaments.

You could always find Tom in the morning, down at Wiemers’ Diner getting donuts for his beloved cat, or sitting around drinking coffee with friends. You could always see Tom driving around town, either on his yellow four-wheeler or on his motorcycle, no matter what the weather. Tom was also an avid collector of everything from coins and die-cast cars to many different vehicles and vehicle parts.

Tom is survived by his son Bradley (Anita) Olson; grandchildren, Janae Olson and Aaron Olson; stepdaughter Malinda (Chris) Wright; sister Harriet (Jarry) Lolley, brother, Bobby Olson; step grandchildren; Joshua Wright, Nathan Wright, Courtney Wright, Cody Wiesinger, and Levi Wiesinger; special friend Marjorie Olson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Dorothy Olson; brother, Dickey (Dick) Olson, and his brother, Benny Olson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Vale Volunteer Fire Department, 307 Rosander Ave, Vale, SD 57788, would be appreciated.