April 30, 1941 – August 12, 2025
Roger D. Olsen, 84, of rural Thompson died Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital-Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, August 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Forest City with Pastor Eric Weaver officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Sunday, August 17, 2025 at Schott Funeral Homes, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, Iowa.
Burial will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson, Iowa with military honors by the Leland VFW.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kinship Christian Radio (Blue Earth), the Thompson Fire Department, or the Buffalo Center High School FFA.
Roger D. Olsen was born June 30, 1948 in Forest City, Iowa the son of Ingvald and Hilda (Gjertson) Olsen. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He graduated from Thompson High School in 1959 and loved playing baseball. Roger served in the United States Army Reserves as a forward observer during the late 60’s. After high school he worked for a local electrician, neighboring farmer and started farming with his father and brother.
He was united in marriage to Betty Ann Larson at the Linden Lutheran Church on March 10, 1968. To this union two sons were born, David and James. Roger loved his family and enjoyed family trips every summer with Betty Ann and his boys. Later in life he enjoyed spending time with his boys and their families at athletic events, fishing, and camping.
Roger had a passion for farming. Roger and his brother Irven were known to put in many early mornings and late nights as they worked together their entire lives. For over 40 years, Roger proudly served as a seed dealer, grateful for the loyalty of his Dekalb-Asgrow customers. His office was more than a workspace—it was a welcoming spot where friends and neighbors always found time for coffee and conversation.
Roger’s faith in God was quiet and lived out in his day to day relationships. He attended First Baptist Church in Forest City and was thankful for all the friendships, Sunday lunches and conversations after the passing of Betty Ann.
Roger is survived by his two sons, David (Marjean) Olsen of Mason City, IA and James (Karen) Olsen of River Falls, WI; grandchildren, Jonathon, Rachel and Daniel Olsen and Andrew, Katie and Annabelle Olsen; brother, Irven (MaryAnn) Olsen; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Karen) Larson of San Antonio, TX, Rev. Wayne Larson of Palm Springs, CA, and Richard (Faith) Larson of Buffalo Center, IA along with many nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his wife Betty Ann in 2019; and his parents Ingvald and Hilda (Gjertson) Olsen.
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