Lauren J Olson

Lauren Olson, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 11, 2026 at First Lutheran Church with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, April 10, 2026 at First Lutheran Church.

Lauren was born on November 8, 1959, in Germany, to James Olson and Viva “Annette” Olson. He was the oldest of two children. He spent his childhood in Davis and Hurley, South Dakota, where he graduated from Hurley High School in 1978. Following high school, Lauren attended South Dakota State University, earning a degree in communications.

On April 16, 1983, Lauren married the love of his life, Debora Johnson. Together, they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two children, Andrea Leslie and Jordan James. Lauren cherished being a father. He never missed an event and could often be found behind a video camera, capturing life’s candid and meaningful moments.

Lauren made his home in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he dedicated 35 years of his career to McLeod’s before retiring in November 2025. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his career.

Lauren had a deep love for the outdoors and for spending time with his family. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, watching sports, and making annual trips to the Frozen Four with his son, Jordan. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and Augustana hockey. Lauren was also an avid television and movie enthusiast, rarely missing an opportunity to enjoy a good film or show.

Faith and service were important parts of Lauren’s life. He dedicated many years volunteering at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell, where he contributed his time running sound and video, assisting with setup for services and events, singing in the choir, and helping wherever needed. One of his favorite events was running the sound for the First Lutheran Preschool Christmas program and graduation.

Lauren will be remembered for his deep love of family, his dedication to others, and his gift for storytelling.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Debora Olson; his children, Andrea (Dillon Giedd) Olson of Pukwana, South Dakota, and Jordan Olson of Rapid City, South Dakota; his sister, Machelle (Galen) Albers, Howard, SD; his mother-in-law, Carmen Johnson, Mitchell, SD; his sister-in-law, Cathy (Trevor) Jurgensen, Amarillo, TX; his nieces, Ann Gilbert, Dell Rapids, Brook (Larry) Meyer, Harrisburg, SD, Candance (Aaron) Kleinsauser, Brookings, SD, Amanda (Brian) Lorenz, Amarillo, TX and Alicia (Bryce) Scroggins, Amarillo, TX; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Viva “Annette” Olson, and his father-in-law, Leslie Johnson.