Kathleen W. Olson

Kathleen Wanda (Danker) Olson, age 93, of Brandon, formerly of White River, Pickstown and Garretson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD.

Kathleen (Kay) was born February 22, 1927 in Wood, SD the first child of James Harlan Danker and Theresa Isabelle (Cordes) Danker.  Her mother died at age 35 when Kay was only 11.  Kay’s aunt and uncle, Gladys and Warren Wells provided a loving home for Kay and her little brother Bill.  Kay attended 1 ^st through 9 ^th grade in the Wood and Paleck schools and graduated from White River High School in 1945.  She worked as a secretary in the US Navy Department in Washington, DC during World War II.  Doing the menial work for the educated gave Kay the determination to further her own education.  In 1946 she enrolled at USD in Vermillion, SD where she earned her business education major in 1950.  She then taught high school in Beresford, SD.

Kay married Eugene (Gene) Olson on July 18, 1951.  She worked at the post office in White River, then as a teacher at Paleck School, and in 1953 Gene and Kay purchased a grocery store in White River.  They operated the store as Olson Market for 17 years until it was destroyed by a fire.  Kay then worked at Farmers State Bank in White River until 1974 and then for the Department of Social Services until 1989.

Kay was an active member of the United Methodist Church in White River and the White River Women’s Club.  She was also a member of Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Gene and Kay retired to Pickstown, SD in 1990.  They pulled their 5 ^th wheel camper to Texas for the winters.  They enjoyed their retirement golfing and spending time with family and friends.

In 2009, Gene and Kay moved to Garretson, SD to be closer to their family.  In May of 2016 they moved to Bethany Meadows Assisted Living in Brandon, SD.

Kay is survived by her children, Warren of Sioux Falls, SD, Dale of Harrisburg, SD, Barb Olson (Brian Baustian) of Garretson, SD; and grandchildren Kristen (Derek) Wahle of Sioux Falls, SD and Jacob Baustian of Aurora, SD.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, James and Theresa Danker; aunt, Gladys Schaeffer; brother, William Danker; and husband, Eugene Olson.

The family wishes to express their gratitude towards Bethany Home for their wonderful care.

Burial of cremains in the White River Cemetery will be at a later date due to COVID-19.