Dan Olson

Dan Olson, loving and much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend died Friday, February 25, 2022.

Dan was born in Moline, Illinois to Friedolf “Lefty” and Verna Harris Olson on September 24, 1939. He attended Rock Island Public Schools and St. Ambrose College.

In 1962 the magic happened. Dan began his lifelong career in the broadcast industry. It was there that he experienced the gift of collaborating with a group of like-minded people in a business that he loved. From inspired radio promotions, being part of a team that for 10 years broadcast every University of Iowa Football game, and being honored as “Dan The Salesman”, life was grand.

At the same time, he served as President of the Rock Island Jaycees, was awarded the KEY Man certificate as Vice-President of the Rock Island Chamber of Commerce, and co-owned 4 Happy Joe’s Restaurants in Wyoming and Colorado.

Dan continued his broadcast management career into the television industry as sales manager of 4 network stations as well as serving as the National Cooperative Advertising Manager of the Culligan USA Corporation.

Dan’s full-time hobby was loving his friends deeply and unconditionally. Their success and happiness was a lifelong goal and source of joy to Dan.

The greatest of all joys in Dan’s life was his marriage to Bridget (Boyt) and the birth of their daughter, Caroline (Cory Baker). His happiness then knew no bounds with the birth of his grandchildren, Lucy and Ellis Baker.

The care he received by his amazing and much-loved new friends at Methodist Hospital and Deerfield delighted and comforted him.

He is survived by his brother, Alan; as well as 11 nieces and nephews; and 12 great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Dan is Saturday March 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

A reception will follow from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Firecreek Grill, 5382 50th Street in West Des Moines. Remember, Dan’s hobby was that he loved to entertain...please join us to lift a glass to Dan.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions will go to The Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa, 1441 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50314.

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