The Richard M. Olson

The Rev. Richard M. Olson, 78, of York Springs, loving husband of Patricia Miller Olson, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 14, 2016 following a brief illness.

Born on Monday, November 22, 1937 in Auburn, Massachusetts, he was the youngest child of the late Albert O. and Marion Mitchell Olson. A graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, he was ordained in 1982. He served four congregations in his ministry: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, York Street in Hanover, Zion Lutheran Church in Jonestown, Lower Bermudian Lutheran Church in East Berlin and Chestnut Grove Lutheran Church in York Springs, from which he retired in July 2015. He also served as Dean on both the Hanover and Gettysburg Conferences of the ELCA.

A gentlemen by nature, he was polite and respectful and had the kindest and most gentle soul. Having a song in his heart, he was an accomplished violinist; playing in his younger years with the Olson family band and later, with Patricia, who was a flutist. He loved spending time with his family and also on the golf course. He had a dry sense of humor that combined with his unique facial expressions of raised eyebrows and an upside-down smile made everyone laugh and enjoy the moment. He was a man who was grounded in grace and his legacy of love, humility and service to God will continue.

In addition to his wife of 24 years, he is survived by his six children and their families; Susan Moul and her husband, Jason, of Glenville, James Olson and his wife, Annie, of Helotes, TX, Kristine Maassen, David Olson and his wife, Katie, all of Raleigh, NC, Debra Sowers and her husband, Bill, of Hanover and Michael Spangler and his wife, Angie, of Ossian, IN; three siblings and their families, Robert Olson and his wife, Carol, of Glastonbury, CT, Priscilla Odgren of Auburn, MA and Alberta Hawkins and her husband, Dave, of Lebanon, CT. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bret Maassen and a brother-in-law, Ray Odgren.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11 am Monday, August 22, 2016 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, York Street, with The Rev. E. Robert Burkhart officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 127 York Street, Hanover, PA 17331, SpiriTrust Lutheran Homecare & Hospice 260 W. High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or to the American Cancer Society, 924-N, Colonial Avenue, York, PA 17403.