Dennis Morrell Olson, 87

Dennis Morrell Olson, 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, in Sparks, Nev.

Born in Belgrade, Minn. on September 27, 1925 to Chester O. and Ruth E. Olson, Dennis grew up farming in Minnesota and in the oil fields of Eastern Montana. He began to fulfill his lifelong passion of serving his country and others in 1942 when he entered the U.S. Army. His World War II service carried him across Europe from France to Czechoslovakia as a member of the 97th Infantry Division and to Japan where he served as a member of the Occupation Force. Following his wartime service, Dennis returned to Eastern Montana where he found the love of his life. Laura Helena and Dennis were married in 1948 as Dennis reentered the U.S. Army in which he served until 1967 as an Ordnance Corps non-commissioned officer. Their adventures carried them to assignments throughout the United States, France, Korea, Panama and Afghanistan.

Their post-military life began in Montana where Dennis, working in the U.S. Postal Service, rose through the ranks to ultimately serve as Postmaster at Lakeside for nearly 10 years. He actively served as a member of the Lion's Club, Coast Guard Auxiliary on Flathead Lake, the Elks Lodges in Las Cruces and Sparks, and as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Retirement saw Dennis and Laura Helena reside for a time in Maui, New Mexico, Idaho and Reno, and finally Sparks.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother and father, his loving wife, and his eldest son. He is survived by his brother Donald; his children Harriette, Patricia, Denise, Judy and Dennis Jr.; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Dennis' life will be held at the Sparks Elks Lodge on Tuesday, Jan. 8 beginning at 1 p.m. The family respectfully requests donations to your favorite veterans' charity in lieu of cards or flowers.