Charles Olson, 87, of Brookings died Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Brookings Health System.
Memorial services are at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Rude’s Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and go until the time of the service. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Charles E. Olson was born on Sept. 3, 1929, in Belview, Minn., the son of Jacob and Milda (Hagen) Olson.
Charles received his education at Belview, Minn., and was a graduate of the Belview High School. He entered the United States Army in 1951, served for two years as a medic, and was honorably discharged in 1953.
He attended South Dakota State University and graduated in 1959. Charles married Shirley Lottman in Raymond, Minn., in 1962. He was then employed at SDSU as the head groundskeeper until his retirement in 1990. In 1985, Charles and Shirley started Riverside Gardens, a greenhouse Charles built himself, which they operated for 14 years.
In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, dancing and listening to polka music. He enjoyed building. His true passion was gardening, especially flowers. He was well known for his geraniums.
Charles is survived by his spouse, Shirley of Brookings; two sons, Jeff Olson of Volga and Paul (Nancy) Olson of Brookings; four grandsons; two great- grandchildren; a sister, Anna Joyce (Arlan) Roline; a brother, Arthur; and a host of other relatives.
Charles is preceded in death by one brother, James; and granddaughter, Tiana Leamons.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
