Dr. Richard Olson
April 21, 1934 - March 24, 2022
Dr. Richard D. Olson, age 87, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Stillwater. Richard was born on April 21, 1934, in Minneapolis to Emil and Helen (Brackett) Olson. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School. Before attending college, Richard served in the US Navy as a pilot during the Korean Conflict. He was passionate about planes but chose to pursue dentistry rather than continuing a flight career. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School and began the practice of dentistry in Brooklyn, NY. 15 years later, he returned to Minnesota and bought Dental Health Care in New Prague from Dr. Lee Mahowald. While he was in NY, he met Carolyn Greene, the woman who would follow him to Minnesota and become his wife on September 17, 1983. Though the marriage would dissolve, it would produce the daughter who became Richard’s passion and the apple of his eye! Richard enthusiastically attended all of Lisa Joy’s activities and was her most ardent fan.
He especially loved musical theater and enjoyed photography. He kept his mind active with brain games, such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku. He was an avid reader and liked watching true crime TV shows, particularly enjoying The Sopranos or anything to do with the mafia. He remained active with his high school buddies, getting together with them on a monthly basis until Covid made that difficult. Richard had a gentle nature and a kind smile that radiated to his eyes.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Lisa Joy Olson of St. Paul; ex-wife, Carolyn Greene Olson of Edina; grand dog, Stanley. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at Bruzek Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Steve Trewartha officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:30 to Noon at the funeral home. Burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 2:00 that afternoon.
Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. We will pray for him and you and Lisa that you may find peace knowing your loved one is with God.
Carolyn and Lisa, my deep and sincerest sympathy to you on losing Dick, our “cousin Dick” to all of us Olson cousins. We were a tight group of first cousins growing up and although our working years scattered us, we retained fond memories of each other. Dick as the oldest was our leader. The October 2016 the reunion of us Olson cousins in Minneapolis brought us together again, and was the first time I saw Dick after those many years, and we shared old memories. He and I then maintained a lively internet email correspondence, his always having some Navy airplane image attached. May loving… Read more »
Carolyn and Lisa, my deep and sincerest sympathy to you on losing Dick, our “cousin Dick” to all of us Olson cousins. We were a tight group of first cousins growing up and although our working years scattered us, we retained fond memories of each other. Dick as the oldest was our leader. The October 2016 the reunion of us Olson cousins in Minneapolis brought us together again, and was the first time I saw Dick after those many years, and we shared old memories. He and I then maintained a lively internet email correspondence, his always having some Navy airplane image attached. May loving… Read more »
I met Richard when I was employed at TV23 reporting to his lovely wife Carolyn Greene. Richard was a striking man, tall, penetrating eyes and a beautiful smile. I totally understand the attraction between them. I remember dancing with him at our wedding. Through his career as a Dentist, he was able to give so many people the gift of a beautiful smile. We were so sorry to hear of his passing and he will be terribly missed. We send all of our thoughs and prayers to Carolyn, Lisa and the Olson Family. May he rest in peace!
So sorry for your loss! Dr. Olson was a very kind and patient dentist to our family from toddlers to the older generation! May he rest in peace!