SPARTA - Richard Olson Sr., 85, of Sparta, went to fish the trout streams of heaven on Friday, March 31, 2023. He was born on May 10, 1937 to Carl and Ruth Olson in Sparta. He attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and graduated from Sparta High School in 1955.
Richard married Dora Pulham at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in 1961.
Dick worked for the Sparta Theatre while in high school and then worked at Sparta manufacturing for 30 years. After retiring, he volunteered at Ft. McCoy doing bluebird counts. He also volunteered on an archeology dig on a site known as the village (Best Point).
Dick spent many countless hours fishing trout in the Beaver Creek, La Crosse River, and the waters of Ft. McCoy. He won 8 trophies for most fish caught, largest trout, and most tagged trout entered in one season. You could always spot him fly fishing, pipe in mouth, most evenings along the Beaver Creek from early spring until late fall.
Dick is survived by his wife, Dora; daughter, Suzanne (John) Sharp; son, Richard Jr.; sister, Jackie Flock; brother-in-law, Dean Benedict; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl Jr., sisters, Marlene Benedict and Diane; sister-in-law, Phyllis; brothers-in-law, Clinton Betts and Wayne Flock.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
