Franklin T. Olson

Franklin Olson, 90, of Pierpont, passed away Tuesday June 13, 2023 at Sanford Hospital, Webster.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 19, 2023 at Fron Lutheran Church near Roslyn and will be livestreamed on Fiksdal Funeral Service Facebook page. Military interment will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-4 P.M. Sunday closing with a 4 P.M. prayer service at the funeral home.

Franklin Thomas Olson was born on March 10, 1933, to Oscar and Edith (Huston) Olson on the family farm near Holmquist, South Dakota. He attended country school at Gem School # 153 as well as Independence School #205 before attending high school in Roslyn. After his education he enlisted in the US Army. He worked as an army shop clerk in the 550^th Ordinance Co. at Ft. Lewis, Washington. After his honorable discharge in 1956, he returned to South Dakota.

On June 15, 1958, he married JoAnne Bistodeau at Langford, South Dakota. The couple made their home on a farm northwest of Roslyn, where they were dairy and grain farmers.

Franklin was passionate about farming. He was active in many facets related to farming in South Dakota, having served on numerous boards over the years including, South Dakota State Farmers Union Board, BDM and State Rural Water Boards, and the FSA Board. Franklin was known to say, “People who milk cows do things on time!” taking pride in staying ahead of the game in all aspects of life. Franklin was an active member at Fron Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and was always willing to lend a helping hand in any church events. He also served on the Strand Kjorsvig Nursing Home Board.  

He enjoyed welding, hunting, and dancing. He was very involved in politics and was active with the Day County Democrats. He was known by his children to find anything to do when it was time to milk cows, other than actually milk cows! Franklin continued to be active in farming until his last day.

Franklin passed away Tuesday June 13, 2023, at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 90 years, 3 months, and 3 days.

He is survived by his son Tom (Sara) Olson of Billings, MT, daughter Diane (Leon) Gaikowski of Webster, SD, son-in-law Joe Janisch of Watertown, SD, 13 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind brother Magnus Olson of Brookings, SD, sisters Alice (Don) Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD and Julia Hagen of Indianola, IA as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife JoAnne, daughters Christie Sattler and Kay Janisch, great-granddaughter Reese Fischer, brothers Russell Olson, Robert Olson and William Olson.