Randall Alford Olson, age 74, of North Platte, NE, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.
Randall was born November 5, 1941, to Alford Randall and Joyce Wangrud Olson in Chicago, IL. He was raised in Jamestown, ND and graduated from high school in 1959.
Randall enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was a sniper/body guard for the Colonel until his brother, Duane, was wounded in combat, at which time they removed his rifle as standard procedure. Randall then became a radio technician in an engineering company responsible for establishing base camps. He retired from the Marines in 1969 with the rank of Staff Sargent.
In 1965 Randall married Joann Mathias and to this union 3 children, Karmel, Rand and Paul, were born. The family lived on a hobby farm in Grand Forks, ND until moving to Williston, ND in 1980. Following his divorce in 1985, Randall relocated to Minneapolis, MN and later moved to Nebraska.
Randall was an industrious boy who began mowing yards, shoveling snow and picking potatoes when he was 8 years old. By the time he was 10, he applied for a job at an implement dealer. Instead of hiring him, they sold him a lawn mower so he could start his own lawn mowing business.
In 1970 Randall began his career with Northwestern Bell, working as an installer then retired as an engineer in 1990. Randall also worked as a contract engineer in Nebraska until 2008.
Randall was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, served as state president and started many chapters in Minnesota. He loved reading, deer hunting, fishing at Lake Lida and gardening. He enjoyed sharing his venison and fresh vegetables with others less fortunate. In retirement, he started Ole’s Sports Cards in North Platte, NE where he spent countless hours and made new friends. He also enjoyed having lunch at the Senior Center and playing cards.
He is survived by his children, Karmel Hotvedt, Rand (Shannon) Olson and Paul Olson; five grandchildren, Cameron, Kole, Lauren, Ashley and Julia; his siblings, Duane Olson and Renee Remmich; his best friend, Terrance Hazer; special friend, Nancy Munson; and many cousins and other family.
Randall was preceded in death by his parents, Alford and Joyce; and grandchildren, Drew and McKenna Olson.
In keeping with Randall’s wishes, cremation was chosen and there will be no services. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.
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