Ralph Olson, 90

Ralph Delaine Olson, 90, Red Oak, passed away Saturday, June
13, 2026, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.
Ralph was born Feb. 18, 1936, at the family farm home near
Genoa, Neb., on a cold snowy night, the son of Frank and Evelyn
(Anderson) Olson. Due to the dust bowl days, no crops were raised
that year, so the family moved to a farm east of Lewis, and later a
farm near Red Oak, where Ralph was raised. He attended Ratliff
country school for eight years, just north of the current hospital’s
location. Ralph graduated from Red Oak High School in the class of
1953.
He worked for several farmers in the area before starting with BF Goodrich. Ralph
was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and served in Germany until being honorably
discharged in 1958. He worked for Beason Trucking and Kinnison Trucking over the
road for several years. Ralph was united in marriage to Phyllis Dobbs on April 26, 1959,
in Red Oak. Ralph and Phyllis bought their home farm in 1975, where they raised three
children, Sheila, David, and Danny.
Ralph was a longtime member of the Stratton United Methodist Church and a lifetime
member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge. Ralph’s passion was farming and spending time
with family. He attended every sporting event for the kids and grandkids. He took great
pride in taking care of his yard and flowers and received “Yard of the Month” one year.
Ralph also enjoyed spending time with friends at Pizza Ranch and the Elks Lodge. Ralph
was united in marriage to Joanne Hicks and enjoyed 18 years together before her passing
in 2025.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Phyllis; wife, Joanne; grandson, Todd
Madsen; and brothers, Robert, Howard, and Lyle.
Survivors include his children, Sheila Madsen and husband Curt of W. Des Moines;
David Olson and wife Lynne of W. Des Moines; and Danny Olson and wife Kandee of
Red Oak; grandchildren, Kelly Visser and husband Adam; Janelle Martin and husband
Robbie; Jake Olson and wife Brittni; Cam Crismon; Kendra Crismon; and Delaina Olson;
step-children, Terry Westerlund and wife Amy of Red Oak, and Tammy Magneson and
husband Jeff of Stanton; step-grandchildren, Heather Downing and husband Adam;
Dayne Magneson and wife Bailey; Seth Esaias and wife Carly; and Noah Westerlund;
many great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the LeRette
Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at
the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Montgomery County Ag
Society, or the Red Oak Elks Lodge.
LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.