Donald J Olson, 97, Farmer City, died at 10:15 p.m. Monday (Jan. 13, 2013) at Manor Court, Clinton.

He was born June 1, 1916, in Weldon, a son of Walter and Bertha Welge Olson. He married Mary Brown on July 31, 1934, at the former St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Weldon. They celebrated their 79th anniversary in 2013.

Don was preceded in death by a son, Gene Olson; his parents, Walter and Bertha; one brother, Vernelle (Pearl) Olson; two sisters, Loraine (Bruce) Swartz and Marie (Kenneth) Edwards; and two grandchildren, Glen and Ginger Olson.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; son, Lawrence “Shorty” (Joanie) Olson, Clinton; daughter-in-law, Mary Olson, Weldon; seven grandchildren, Pam (Joe) Elliott, Wapella; Angie (Sean) Martin, Forsyth; Larry (Maria) Olson, Frisco, Texas; Kurt (Erin) Olson, Bloomington; Tim Olson, Winter Park, Fla.; Gina (Scott) Leischner, Farmer City; and Gala (Claude) Alwood, Weldon; 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Don retired from livestock and grain farming in 1980 after 46 years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmer City where he was an usher for many years. In his younger days, he raced go-karts and helped a friend build and race stock cars. In his early years of farming, he provided hay-baling employment for young men in the Weldon area. Don also enjoyed camaraderie at George H. Dunn’s in Farmer City for more than 20 years. All his life, he was known to share funny stories, good-natured orneriness and laughter with family and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday with the Rosary at 4:30 p.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City. The Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Farmer City, with Father James Henning officiating. Burial will be in Weldon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Farmer City.