Rick Olson

Nationally acclaimed competitive angler, Rick Olson, has passed away peacefully at home with the catch of his life (his wife) and his two beloved dogs at his side.

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

Rick was born in May 1957 in Aberdeen, SD, and lived here his whole life. His love and respect for the outdoors started at a very young age, from hunting on his uncle’s farm to fishing with his grandpa. The same goes for his competitive spirit, from little league baseball to league bowling where he bowled his first 300 at age 23. This spirit continued throughout his lifetime with us. He, along with a couple of kindred spirits, started a successful “Carp Masters” tournament which ran for 30 years. Rick also worked at 3M Aberdeen for 15 years prior to his desire to chase his dream of becoming a Professional Angler and participate in the walleye fishing circuit. He won “Rookie of the Year” on his first tour. He retired a “Champion” many times over.

Rick’s true love was all things hunting. Whether alone or with a group of close friends, nothing compared. When hunting season closed, fishing took second place. Whether on tour, with friends, or with his favorite fishing partner (his wife), his favorite place was the Missouri River. So many friendships and memories were made and cherished.

Rick and his wife, Emmy, made their home at Mina Lake for the past 30 years. Throughout the years many good times were shared with neighbors, friends, and family. Rick was not only a true outdoorsman, but he was also a writer, speaker, mentor, teacher, and loyal friend, but to family, he was just “Uncle Rick.”

Rick was a true believer that it was better to sit in a boat or up in a tree and think about God than to sit in a church thinking about hunting or fishing. So, the next time you are in a boat, up in a tree, sitting by a campfire, or just being outdoors, take a moment to remember the good times fondly! We are truly thankful for his time with us, the connections he made, and his caring, fun, independent spirit.

When Rick was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), better known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” he wrote this down on a post-It note and his wife saved it: “Life isn’t how you survive the thunderstorm, but how you dance in the rain.” Emmy can say he danced like the true warrior that he was.

Rick’s service will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, plants, or money, the family requests that a donation be made in Rick’s memory to the ALS Association of SD, your local human society, Spurs Aberdeen, or your own favorite charity.

Grateful for having shared Rick’s life are his wife of 42 years, Emmy; sister, Carol (Gary) Gauer; two brothers: James Olson and Jeff (Stacey) Olson; two brothers-in-law: Richard Thomas and John (Sandy) Thomas Jr.; two sisters-in-law: Mary Mulvenna and Jeannie (Lee) Jones; one paternal aunt, Alice Hopfinger; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Rick in death is his parents: Allen (“Jim”) and Mary Olson.

The family wants to express their most sincere gratitude to their family, neighbors, and friends that were by their side during Rick’s illness.

The life he lived, the love he shared, the hearts he touched.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rick Olson, please visit our floral store.