Darrell E. Olson

Darrell E. Olson

October 2, 1947 September 1, 2024

 Darrell E. Olson, 76, lifelong resident of Hibbing died Sunday, September 1, 2024 at home in Hibbing with family by his side. He was born October 2, 1947 to Laverne and Lillian (Crandall) Olson in Red Eye Township, near Sebeka, MN. After high school, Darrell proudly served his country with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He entered into marriage with Mary Renskers on August 22, 1969 in South Dakota. Darrell was employed as a maintenance mechanic with Hibbing Taconite for 30 years; retiring in 2007 He was also a talented handyman as a second career. He, along with his wife Mary, skillfully beautified many homes of their family, friends and neighbors over the years. Darrell was a gifted storyteller and he especially enjoyed entertaining everyone with crazy tales from his youth, his time in the Air Force, the many years he worked at Hibbing Taconite as well as the adventures he shared with others: hunting, fishing, road trips with his wife or traveling to sporting events, especially hockey, of which he was an avid fan. More than anything he loved people, especially family; his“grandbabies” simply meant the world to him. 

 He is survived by his wife, Mary Olson, Hibbing; three children: Buck Olson, Plymouth, MN; Heather Finnegan, Madison, WI; and Heidi (Nizar) Saleh, Minneapolis, MN; siblings: Dennis (Sharon) Olson, Eveleth, MN; Darwin (Wanda) Olson, Tyler, MN; Diane (Greg) Sater, Shoreview, MN; LaVerne Olson, Kelly Lake, MN; Tom Olson, Hibbing; Pam (Dana) Anderson, Hibbing, MN; and Todd (Gina) Olson, also of Hibbing; his grandbabies: Amanda Olson, Emma Olson, MaryKate Finnegan, Conner Finnegan, Sam Finnegan, Sara (Ali) Saleh, Hassan (Nada) Saleh, Maryam Saleh, and Noor Saleh; one great-grandchild and several step-siblings. 

 He was preceded in death by: his parents; infant brother, Roger Olson; brother Richard Miles Olson; and sister Raynee Leppi.

 There will be a celebration of Darrell’s life from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 715 East 21st street in Hibbing. There will be a private graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home.

 Darrell’s family offers a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful nurses and doctors from Fairview Radiation Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center at UofM and Fairview Hospice who cared for him over these past several years. 

 To leave an online message of condolence please visit us at:

www.doughertyofhibbing.com. In honor of Darrell’s storytelling ways, his family also invites you to share your own anecdotes or stories about him.