Obituary of Oscar Olson

Oscar L Olson, long-time resident of Ritzville, Washington, died peacefully on July 28, 2023 at the age of 92 after a short illness. Oscar was born on May 26, 1931 in Ralston, Washington to Emil and Marie Olson and is survived by his children Dwight, Linda Waltman (Ed) and Kelly (Lori); his grandchildren Jarrod (Erin), Shane (Courtney), Colby (Karina) and Carrie Waltman; and his great-grandchildren Emily, Myah, Bennett, Eleanor and Harrison; many cherished nieces and nephews; and his loving companion, Della Kiesz. Upon graduation from Ritzville High in 1949, Oscar attended a trade school to learn the carpentry trade, married his high school sweetheart, Irene, and they celebrated 65 anniversaries. He and Irene went on to found Modern Builders and his beautiful woodwork is on display in homes around the area and in the buildings he built in town. Oscar was also a successful wheat farmer in the Washtucna area; Mayor; valuable community member; active member of Ritzville Jaycees and Lions Club. He enjoyed his family and supported them in all their school, sporting and work endeavors and was an avid Bronco booster. He was famous among friends and family for his baking, cooking, drying, bountiful vegetable garden and beautiful yard. Oscar was preceded in death by Irene in 2016. There is no service at his request, so perhaps just take a moment of silence to remember a quiet, yet powerful man whose kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will be missed.