Lowell Allen Olson "Oly," 78, of Great Falls passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Lowell was born on May 7, 1944, to Willie and Crescentia (Casper) Olson. Oly worked for Dick Olson Construction Company on many big projects for a number of years. He attended monthly guard drills in Minnesota and then transferred to Montana. He transitioned to the Montana Air National Guard in Great Falls. He was a munitions specialist and supervised the weapons loading crew. His team traveled to many loading competitions and usually came home with First Place honors.
Oly loved the water. He enjoyed water skiing, barefoot, trick or slalom, ski kite flying, and giving river tours for the family on the Pontoon Boat. He volunteered to go snow skiing with the Special Olympics and assisted in anyway he could. Oly could also be found displaying his "moves" on roller skates at Hauer's Roller Rink.
Lowell was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Family was very important to Oly. He opened his home every summer for a family reunion. One golfing member suggested a golf course next to the volleyball court he had constructed. His yard wasn't large enough for 18 holes, but he dug a hole, planted a cup and a flag in it and "Oly's 19th Hole” was born. Family members gathered and competed for fun and for their name to be placed on the traveling trophy. After the tournament, a cook-out would take place and was followed by the Family Sing-along. Oly would play his guitar surrounded by his family singing the songs they had learned from their Dad. Many heartfelt memories were made.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Willie and Crescentia; brother-in-law, Bob Mustad; sister, Jeannie Gage; twin brother, Lyell Olson; and young nephew, Mark Taylor. Lowell is survived by three sisters, Marlys Mustad of Great Falls, Janice (Delbert) Taylor of Texas, and Lu Ann (Larry) Hilton of Great Falls; nieces and nephews, Angela (Mark) and Adrian Proveaux, Brian (Casey), Cameron, and Tristan Taylor, Jason (Unrhea Session) and Teagan Taylor, Robin (Brian) and Sarah Jean DeVito, Billy Winn, Russell (Chrissy) and Julia Hilton, Kimberly ( Kolby) and Lily Manderle; brother-in-law, Bob (Grace) Gage; and sister-in-law, Naomi Olson.
Oly lived a very conservative, fun filled life with a lot of hard work. He will be missed by everyone he knew. He was a great storyteller and always had one to tell.
If you have a favorite story about Oly, the family invites you to join us for the vigil at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (1300 5th Ave S), on Friday, August 5, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated for Lowell on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. also at Our Lady of Lourdes. A Rite of Committal will follow the funeral liturgy at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
"Hit It" buddy and leave us a big wake to follow.
