Carol J. Olson, 83, of Faith, passed away unexpectantly on June 14th, 2024. Funeral services for Carol will be at 11:00 a.m., at the Faith Community Center, Faith, South Dakota, Thursday, June 20, 2024. Interment will follow at the Monument Hill Cemetery near Mud Butte.
Carol Jean Keil was born November 30, 1940, in Lemmon to William and Alma (Kolb) Keil. Carol grew up the only and oldest sister with her 3 brothers on the family home place north of the Moreau River. During her early school years, she attended the Endlee Country School. When she moved on to high school she went to Newell where she graduated from Newell High. Following graduation, she started working in Rapid City for the city water department as a billing clerk. On February 9, 1963, Carol married Melvin J. “Junior” Olson at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis. Jr and Carol spent their entire married life together on the family ranch where they started their family. They were blessed to raise Jim, Billy and Karyn near Mud Butte. Once the kids were older and going to high school in Faith Carol moved to town part time with them and began working as a custodian at the Faith School. She moved on in the district to become first a special education aide in Faith and then in the later years she took the aide position at the Maurine country school. She treasured her time with all of those kids and teachers she worked with. They touched her life and she theirs.
She had a passion for photography, her yard and flowers, and for many years her Christmas lights. In her later years she developed a strong interest in politics, and she wasn’t afraid to share her point of view with any and everyone.
The biggest joys of her life arrived in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. She became a grandma to first, her 6-pack and then Colby put the finishing touches on the group. She attended any and every activity she was able to get to and was not at all afraid to share all about the boys to anyone who would listen. A day in town was always a treat. Carol enjoyed to shop and have lunch with Sis. She was headed to do just that very thing on the day of her untimely accident.
Carol is survived by her husband, Melvin “Junior” Olson; children, Jim (Janine) Olson, Pueblo, CO, Billy (Toni) Olson, Karyn (Jeff) Storm; seven grandsons, Tyus Olson, AJ Storm, Dominic Olson, Shane Storm, Trevor Olson, Derek Olson, and Colby Olson; Three brothers, Ervin (Vivian) Keil, Dick Keil and Dennis (Connie) Keil; sister-in-law, Wilma Glendenning, and numerous neices and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alma Keil; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Lillian Olson; sister-in-law, Virginia Keil and brother-in-law, Bill Glendenning.
A memorial has been established to the Mud Butte Fire Department. Floral arrangements can be made at Keffeler Kreations, Faith, SD. Orders can be placed by calling the store directly at 605-967-2330.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinakdefunerals.com.
