Obituary of Don Olsen

Donald Richard Olsen, age 74 of Randolph, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at his residence.

He was born on St. Patrick's Day, 1945, in Sterling, Colorado, the son of Harold and Margaret (Cowdrey) Olsen and grandson of Danish immigrants, Anton and Marie Olsen. He attended a one room school house before attending Yuma, CO, public schools where he excelled in FFA and 4-H. He was elected state president of the Colorado Future Farmers of America after high school graduation. He later earned a degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University.

On September 7, 1975, he was married to Charlotte Shoup at her grandparent’s home in Mulvane, Kansas. She survives of the home. Don was a rancher and was committed to raising high quality Charolais seedstock for the livestock industry. He cherished showing cattle from an early age and has shown at national, regional, and state shows, capturing top awards from time to time. His granddaughter, Nissa, is following in his footsteps. He also was a leader in Charolais and livestock associations over the years.

Don was a joyful person and extended that joyfulness to others, often engaging others in conversations about his two great passions - cattle and Kansas State University sports. He was not fearful of trying new things such as coaching his children's young soccer teams when he knew nothing about the sport. He also was their 4-H leader and was engaged in all aspects of their lives as well as his granddaughter's. He was a member of the Randolph United Methodist Church, serving in several leadership roles, and was a member of the Randolph Lions Club.

In addition to his wife Charlotte, he is survived by one daughter, Livia Olsen of Manhattan; one son, Reggie Olsen of Manhattan; one granddaughter, Nissa Olsen of Manhattan who was his ranch buddy; and one brother, Max Olsen of Yuma, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jim Olsen.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Randolph United Methodist Church with Pastor Sandy Ferguson. Inurnment will be in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery. Following the graveside service there will be a picnic and a time of fellowship at the Olsen Ranch.

Memorials have been established for the Kansas Junior Charolais Association, Riley County 4-H Foundation and the Randolph United Methodist Church.  Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.