Dean Ryan Olson passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 49. He was born on September 23, 1974 in Hutchinson, Minnesota to David and Donna Olson.

Dean Olson

Dean was hard-working and dedicated. At his center, he was a builder and loved working with his hands. This was a skill that came naturally to him and was honed throughout his youth alongside his father, David, at the Trading Post and in the home shop.

Dean graduated from Glenville High School and attended Iowa State University before settling in Northwood, Iowa in 1995. He then set his sights on winning a contract to lay hundreds of yards of concrete sidewalk for the City of Northwood. As he sought out bigger construction challenges, he envisioned a great shop for his personal use – one that would hold at least four cars and all the woodworking and metalworking tools you could dream of – so he built it. Later, he would renovate and double the size of his existing home.

But still, Dean dreamt bigger. He heard the heavy construction industry calling his name and decided to travel the country building concrete piers to support the nation’s infrastructure. While concrete was great, Dean dreamt bigger still. He joined the powerline crew building some of the largest power transmission lines in the Midwest, carrying up to 750,000 volts to power the nation.

He worked long hours while traveling the country. But when he was home, he always treasured the time in his shop. While his shop had the requisite tools, it was also the site of growing friendships. The shop was a place where people gathered to tinker on their projects or Dean’s or to watch a NASCAR race.

Dean always found time to volunteer to help others including setting up tents for the Northwood Men’s group or building a storm/bomb shelter in tornado alley. Dean’s skills were greatly appreciated and he will be missed.

He is survived by his father, David; brother, Daniel; son, Zachary; and loving family and friends.

His mother, Donna, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held to honor Dean’s life at the Northwood Library in the Olson Room on August 10, 2024 from 1 – 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Riverland Community College’s Student Success Initiative Fund, supporting high schools students through Workforce Development Scholarships.