Memorial Service for Patricia “Pat” Olson, 80, of Ipswich, SD will be 11:00 AM, Monday, January 13, 2025, at Richland Church, 36781 142nd Street, Mina, South Dakota.  Pastor Jason Dignan will lead the service.

Inurnment will be at the Richland Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation is 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, January 12, 2025, with a 7:00 PM prayer service led by Pastor Ron Wickard at Schriver Funeral Home, 720 N. 6th Street, Ipswich, SD.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Patricia Louise Olson, born in 1944 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Clarence and Francis Peterson, passed away Tuesday, January 7th peacefully surrounded by family. She lived a life marked by resilience, love, and a relentless work ethic and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Pat, as she was affectionately called, married her high school sweetheart, Bob Olson, in 1961. Their daughter, Tammy, was born later that year. The couple’s journey together took them to Texas and then to California, where Bob served in the Air Force during Vietnam.  It was there that their son, Mitchell, was born in 1963. A few years later, 1971, their second son, Michael, was born, and the family settled in Vallejo, California, where Pat embraced the joys of motherhood and family life.

In 1979, Pat and Bob moved back to the family farm just outside of Ipswich, South Dakota, where they enjoyed a quiet rural life.

Despite the challenges of early life and leaving high school after her sophomore year, Pat’s determination shone through. She went on to earn her GED and nursing degree, graduating at the top of her class. Her intelligence and resourcefulness were evident in all aspects of her life. Pat was known for her humor, her hard work, and her loving spirit, often supporting her family and friends in their own endeavors, even reportedly writing several papers for Bob during his master’s program.

Pat worked as a nurse for 16 years in Aberdeen, making a difference in the lives of her patients.

Throughout her life, Pat loved many activities, with golf being a passion. She even won the women’s golf league at one point. She was an avid player of cribbage, and her love for crossword puzzles was well known. She had a knack for bringing people together, whether through her welcoming home or her vibrant sense of humor.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Olson; daughter, Tammy (Olson) Bergman, and granddaughter, Kayla Pedersen.

She is survived by her sons Mitchell (Susan) of Lansing, Michigan, Michael (Robyn) of Mobridge, South Dakota, John (Renee) Scarrott of Leola.  Pat’s legacy continues through her 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

Pat’s life was full, and she was full of life. Her compassion and dedication to her family, friends, and community will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered with great love and fondness.