Eugene "Swede" Olson

Eugene “Swede” Olson, age 94, of Gayville, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. Memorial services are 10:30 AM, on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Gayville Lutheran Church with Pastors Ben and Kristen Eisele officiating. Burial will be in the Gayville Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Swede Olson was born December 7, 1923 in Gayville, South Dakota to Alfred and Alice (Welch) Olson. He graduated from Gayville High School in 1944 and then was drafted into the United States Army. After his discharge, Swede returned to Gayville and started working with his father at Olson Trucking. On June 8, 1952, he married Ardys Lee at Vangen Lutheran Church in Mission Hill, SD. After their marriage, Swede worked for Standard Oil which later became Amoco Oil, hauling fuel and gas to many area farmers. He retired in 1987. Swede was an active member of his community, church and the American Legion where he was recognized for 70 years of membership in 2016. He had many interests in life, including fishing, golfing, bowling, ice skating, woodworking and listening to music. Above all, Swede loved his family and treasured the time spent with them. He is survived by his wife, Ardys Olson of Gayville; three daughters: Cathy (Tom) Schaefer of Minnetonka, MN, Cyndi Beers of Gayville and Cheri (Larry) Buffington of Gayville; four grandchildren: Ryan Schaefer, Alice (Joel) Vos, Luke and Maren Buffington. Swede was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marilyn (Jim) Orton; son-in-law, Dale Beers; and grandson, Lee Buffington. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.