Dean Olson

Dean A. Olson, 94, of Dubuque passed away peacefully at 11:25 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center.

To honor Dean’s life, there will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date. Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque is assisting Dean’s family.

Dean was born July 28, 1929, in Park Rapids, Minn., son of C. Axel and Pearl (Sutliff) Olson. The family moved to Marathon in 1945. He graduated from the North Central School of Agriculture (University of Minnesota) in 1949. Dean honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a baker on the troop transport USS Rockbridge. After his return, he began farming part time for a number of years in Marathon while working at Farmer’s Coop and doing construction. He was lastly employed at Wilson Foods in Cherokee, from 1966 until his well-earned retirement in 1991.

He was united in marriage to Lois Beck in 1957, and they had three sons together before parting ways. Dean later married Dorothy Bell in 1986, but she would sadly pass away in 2011. Dean was very devoted to his Methodist faith and the American Legion, always joining the local church and chapter no matter what town he was living in. He liked being active and was an avid BMW motorcycle rider in his 40s and 50s. He was also a talented woodworker and created several beautiful pieces throughout the years.

In his later years, Dean enjoyed gardening and doing volunteer work. He had an agreeable personality and was always willing to help out when asked. Dean lived a very full life and had seen countless changes throughout the years. He will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Dean’s memory include his three sons: Tim (Chris Happ) Olson of Dubuque; Greg (Chris Montgomery) Olson of Columbia, Mo.; and Brad (Karla Finn) Olson of Des Moines; five grandchildren: Emma Olson, Lena Olson, Tess Wilkerson, Curtis (Jennifer) Finn and Brenda (Alan) Hall; three great-grandchildren: Marcus Finn, Bekah Finn and Adilyn Hall; his siblings, Barbara Salton of Spencer; and Palmer (Paula) Olson of Storm Lake; his former wife, Lois Olson of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dorothy Olson; his siblings: Herb (Alice) Olson, Theone (Mike) Harris, Deltha (Dale) Barber, Charles “Bud” (Edith) Olson, Phyllis (John) Gobel and Marian (Elmer) Goodrich; and two brothers-in-law, Lloyd Hruby and Donald Salton.

Dean’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill, Assisi Village and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and compassionate care. The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Dean’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001, Attn: Dean Olson Family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com