Donald Lee Olson

Don Lee Olson of Bloomfield, N.M. found rest in the arms of his heavenly Father on May 24, 2023, following a lengthy and hard-fought battle.  Don was born November 16, 1947, to Claus and Katheryn Smith in Willmar, Minnesota.

Best friends joined as Don married Carol Dannar McLaughlin on May 30, 1986. Together they enjoyed time with their dogs, grilling his special ‘Don’ hamburgers, pulling pranks, and telling jokes and stories of the past to delight those close to him.  Don was a connoisseur of old movies and music and a charter member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Don devoted himself to young people.  His career path was diversified as his knowledge base, beginning on the west coast for retail chain Gemco and transferring to Arizona Public Service entering as a lube mechanic and working his way to Safety instructor, retiring after 31 years.

Don is survived by his wife, Carol, his stepdaughter, Julie Cox, and husband, Danny, stepson John McLaughlin and wife Tina, brother Ken Olson and wife Beverly Holland, nephews Darren Olson, his wife Lori, and children Kendra, Jasmin, Spencer; nephews Devin and Shane Olson of Washington state.  There are 10 great-grandchildren, 7 boys, and 3 girls.  In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death and welcomed with open arms by his stepdaughter Penny Galloway, and sister-in-law Elaine Olson.

While this emptiness and loss is painful, it is a true indication of the lives that have been touched in this passing.  Please join us at a later time for a joyous remembrance of our loved one.