Service Information
Roger Kenneth "RKO" Olson, age 87, of Spring Park, formerly Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his home in Spring Park.
A private family service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Memorial preferred to the Hutchinson Area Community Foundation at https://www.hutchinsonfoundation.org/ or another charity of your choice in Roger’s memory.
Obituary
Roger was fond of saying, “I’m just a country boy.” It was the lens through which he saw himself his entire life. Born and raised in Lynn Township west of Hutchinson, he grew into a man who cared deeply about service to his community and its members, schools, Veterans and his church, Christ the King. Roger’s life was committed to excellence, service and honor.
As a teenager Roger participated in several school activities, 4-H and Future Farmers of America. After graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1952, he joined the Air Force and served during the Korean War and in the Alaskan Air Command. In 1957, Roger returned to Hutchinson and fulfilled his high school yearbook senior prophecy which said, “Roger Olson has settled down with Holsteins and a certain redhead on a farm near Heatwole.” He certainly did—Roger, better known as RKO, and his beloved bride Darlene put down roots south of Hutchinson where they started their family, established a dairy farm and began what would become a 34-year career at 3M. In the years that followed, the theme of Roger’s life continued to be leadership and service to the community.
Roger’s dedication to the Holstein community spanned many decades. He was actively involved in leadership roles within the Holstein Associations for McLeod County, Minnesota State and National Holstein Association. Roger received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award from the Jaycees in 1969 and was named Person of the Year in 1980 by the State Holstein Association.
Perhaps Roger’s greatest legacy to this community can be found in his work with youth programs and Veterans Affairs through the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96. He was a champion fund raiser for organizations dedicated to supporting youth activities. Each year he worked with the Hutchinson School District to bring together Youth and Veterans by securing speakers for the Veterans Day Programs for the elementary, middle and high schools.
He was frequently described by close friends as a “behind the scenes mover and shaker,” and it was often discovered that he was the active force in leading events and initiating projects around Hutchinson. Roger truly loved this community, and he was humbled and honored to be recognized as Mr. Hutchinson in 2012.
For Roger, there was no higher calling than honoring the American Veteran, and he was a tenacious advocate for Veterans Affairs. As a member of the American Legion, he served as Post Commander, Third District Commander and Department Commander for the State of Minnesota. On the American Legion National Level, he was a delegate to several national conventions, consultant on the Internal Affairs Commission, Department Representative for Foreign Relations, Credentials and Membership, and served as Vice Chairman of the National Resolutions Committee. Roger was also a Committee Member for the McLeod County Veteran’s Park in Hutchinson where he planned and emceed the Dedication Program. There was no softer spot in his heart than for a fellow Veteran.
Roger passed away very peacefully on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Ida and his brother Earl. Roger is survived by his wife Darlene, his children Robert and Kathleen, and his brother Dennis.
Vicki Schreiner-Kaiser says
I am very sadden to hear today of Roger’s passing. Roger was a very patient and kind man at CTK. He will be greatly missed.
Sandy Housman says
Darlene & family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Roger was my supervisor for many years at 3M and I enjoyed working for him. He will be missed by the Veteran community.
Jill Mackenthun says
Darlene, Kathy and Rob ~ I sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. So many memories come to mind from the god ol’ days of showing Holsteins. I pray that Our Lord will wrap His Loving arms around you and help you through this journey of sorrow. May thoughts and prayers are with your family. ~ Jill M
Josh Gehlen says
Darlene and family, we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Roger. He was a great man and it was an honor to be part of his year as Mr. Hutchinson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Noreen Peterson says
Noreen Peterson says:
Roger was loved by members of my family. With my father, Homer, and with me at fun raisers. He will be missed by the town of Hutchinson. Blessing and Peace to the Family
Jim and Jennifer says
Uncle Roger will definitely be missed! Remember being up there with Jennifer last year. Sympathy and Prayers
Ann Zivkovich says
Darlene,
Hugs May God send you His peace. So sorry for your lost!!
Dawn says
Darlene, we are sorry to hear of Rogers passing.
Hugs and prayers to you and your family. May God comfort you at this difficult time .
Tim and Dawn Halverson
Marea Davis says
Darlene and Kathleen
Prayers and hugs coming your way.
Judy Thul says
My deepest sympathy to you Darlene and your family. May he Rest In Peace.
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
My sympathies to all.
Verlyce French says
Sympathy to the family of”RKO”. Roger was in the “Mag” plant and I was in the “Tape”, but enjoyed working with
him on several projects. Always had great ideas on how to handle projects.
Jonny & Bridget Block says
Darlene and family… I was genuinely saddened to hear the news that Roger has passed. He will be very much missed by so many and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come. I will miss our conversations and cocktail hours, and especially RKO’s stories. God bless and may you find peace in the days ahead. JonnyB
Gary/Marjorie Hemmann says
Our sympathies to you Darlene and your family…Always nice to visit with you and Roger!
Judy Feltmann says
Deepest sympathy for you Darlene and family during this difficult time. May RKO rest in peace. Was nice knowing you and Roger at 3M
Al Zdon says
As a staff member of the Minnesota American Legion, I worked closely with Roger for many years. I can only concur with all the comments on his devotion to veterans, his enormous energy, his ability to part money from people for a good cause, his exuberance for life. I just want to add one more thing. RKO was a great speaker. He could bring power and emotion and drama to his words like few others. I will miss my good friend. Prayers to Darlene and family.
Lori Haapala says
Darlene, Kathy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts.
Carol Ahlborn says
Darlene my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Roger was a great guy. Many fond memories of the good old Holstein days.
Sue Senne says
Darlene, so sorry for your loss.
Andy Koenig says
We knew all of the Olson family for almost 50 years. For many years I was in Circle with Ida who was such a great lady. Roger always had time to visit whenever we saw him. He was hugely responsible for Post 96 being successful for so many years and more than that, he was a Charter member of CTK and loved his church. God Bless all of your memories, Darlene, Kathleen and Robert.
Peace to you~~~
Arnie and Andy Koenig
Brian Blackwood says
Kathleen, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul W Conley says
Kathleen, your father must have been an outstanding man to have produced such a wonderful woman like yourself. Our prayers are with your family during this time of grieving.
Stacey Lill says
Kathleen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. May the wonderful memories of your dad give you peace.
Eugene Leifeld says
RKO (Roger) I remember as a person who fought for the Veteran and was always there to give his support.
Roger you are and I will remember as a true and faithful Mentor, you were always at the District and Department, and National Conventions with advice. Roger used to say (“I’m just a Poor Farmer”) God Bless Darlene and your family members.
Legionville President
Past Third District Commander 2017-2018
Post 54
Red Wing, MN. 55066
Eugene Leifeld
Jim says
Uncle Roger will truly be missed! Was great to see Roger and Darlene about a year ago with Jennifer meeting you for the first time! Sympathy and Prayers to the family!
Stephanie Harmon says
Kathleen and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like your Dad was a pretty special guy who did a lot for the community. Thinking of you and your family.
Bob & Nell Peterson says
Darlene and family,
Both Bob & I have fond memories and stories of RKO. He was definitely ONE OF A KIND. We wish you comfort and peace
as you work through the grieving process. He was a very special man. We know you have many lovely memories of him.
Bob and Nell Peterson
John Arlt says
I will miss the regular phone calls from Roger on legion baseball updates & encouraging words of advice from time to time.
He did many great things for our area and veterans /youth and will be missed.
John