Dennis (Denny) Olson, 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24th at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester after suffering a stroke.
Dennis was born on October 9, 1942 to Herbert and Dolores Olson. He grew up in Kenyon, Minnesota as one of four children. Dennis played basketball, baseball, and football in high school and was the leading scorer as a senior on his 1960 basketball team. He went on to graduate from Winona High School with a Bachelor of Science and then a Master’s of Science degree in education.
Dennis was a devoted educator for Rochester Public Schools. He was a fifth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School for 34 years, touching the lives of hundreds of kids. He was known as a caring teacher who enjoyed making his students laugh.
Dennis loved gambling, eating out at restaurants, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Wild. He also attended most sporting events of his grandkids.
Dennis is survived by his sister Marilyn McNicholas (South Hadley, Massachusetts), brother Ricky Olson (Kenyon), daughter Denise (Schillo) Olson, son-in-law Bruce Schillo, son Jeffrey Olson, daughter-in-law Celeste Azurdia Olson, daughter DeAnn (Roepke) Olson, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janet Olson, and brother Rodney Olson.
There will be a burial and private celebration of life for Dennis on Saturday, August 22 with family.
