Sam Olson

Sam C. Olson, 74, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.

A public visitation with family present will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel. There will be an informal gathering at City Lights, Aberdeen, following the visitation.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Sam C. Olson was born July 6, 1948, in Aberdeen. His youth was spent farming at Westport and Frederick. The family moved to Aberdeen, where Sam graduated from Central High School in 1966.

He worked as a machinist at Hub City Iron and then joined the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Sam returned to his work, joined the National Guard, and became Union Steward for the Machinist Union which led him to become politically active.

He married Diane Schuck and was blessed with a daughter, Sondra. Eventually, he relocated to Redding, CA, followed by taking residence in Denver, CO. He returned to Aberdeen in 2002, where he improved properties and became known for his ceramic tile work and skilled carpentry. He retired from military service as Staff Sergeant (E6).

Sam is most well known locally for his community commitment through active memberships in the VFW, and the American Legion, his long-term membership in The Eagles, including two terms as President, and was ultimately Grand Director of Youth Sports for South Dakota with the 40 et 8. Sam will be most remembered for his beaming smile and highly contagious laugh.

Sam is survived by his daughter Sondra Kurtz and her children: Tage and Kadence Kurtz; one brother, Charles M. Olson; one sister, Tanya G. Olson; and his siblings’ families.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin B. and Estella C. Olson, and his brother, Larry R. Olson.