Lyle Wayne Olson was born on August 3, 1934 to Alvin Olson and Dorma Gad Olson. He was the first nephew/grandchild on his mother’s side and this would prove to be defining for him as he was greatly loved and given much attention as a young child by his mom and his grandparents, aunts and uncles.
His parents separated and subsequently divorced early in his life, again setting the stage for his love for family and his children as an adult. Growing up in Minot, North Dakota provided him the city life for this future businessman. Lyle loved life and loved learning. His time as first clarinetist in the high school band gave the example for all three of his daughters to play clarinet in band.
His mom remarried when he was in high school and Melvin Shaw became the future grandpa to his children. When Mel suggested he go to college, Lyle attended the University of North Dakota. It was in college that a friend introduced him to Jesus and Lyle trusted his life to Christ.
He went to work in a variety of jobs, spending free time with friends hunting and flying in the area. A blind date led to the love of his life and Emily Ringdahl, nursing student, became his first girlfriend, fiancée and wife. Lyle’s love for adventure led this young couple to buy a home in California. This is also where he and Emily rededicated their lives to Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade. He found his niche for sales at this time within the insurance business and spent the next 40 years in this industry.
His three daughters, Dawna, Brenda and Lisa, followed their mother’s lead in loving on dad and family as they settled in San Diego to raise their family. Lyle’s natural leadership skills brought many opportunities to lead.
From the insurance side of banking, where he held titles like Vice President and President, to leading within the various churches he and Emily attended Lyle was happy to serve people.
His love for Jesus and His church was evident in all that he did individually and with his family. The church provided a place for him to use his gifting, to grow in his walk with Christ and to raise his family to honor Jesus. Lasting friendships and significant memories were established in each church he and Emily served in throughout their years of marriage.
In retirement his greatest joy came from friends and family and serving at church. The time he spent with each was very valuable to him. Lyle’s greatest wish, upon his passing, was to see his life represent Jesus and to see others come to know Jesus.
Lyle is survived by his wife of 63 years, Emily, his three daughters, Dawna and her husband Joel, Brenda and her husband, Craig, and Lisa and her husband Geoff, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Daniel and Kaci Underwood: Logan, Katie, Shane, Harlyn and Titus, Sara Underwood, Sergio and Michelle (Washburn) Gutierrez: Oliver and Penelope, Edred II and Joanna (Underwood) Bryan: Edred III and Elise, Mike and Kerry (Washburn) Nekuda: Corbin and Brooklyn, George Brown, Emma Brown, Destine Brown.
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