Donald Clyde Olson

Donald Clyde Olson, 80, of Missoula, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016, at Florence Hagan's "Home Again Elder Care," of natural causes.

He was born Jan. 26, 1936, in Missoula to Henry (Hank) and Elizabeth Olson. As a young boy, Don enjoyed playing with his puppies at the Trout Creek farm. After moving to Missoula, Don and his best friend, Cliff, would go downtown and sell newspapers and fruit to have a little change in their pockets.

In high school, Don hung out with his two best friends, Cliff Gustafson and Wayne Kost. They were otherwise known as, "The Three Musketeers." He graduated from Hellgate High School in 1954.

On Nov. 5, 1960, Don married the "Love" of his life, Lesla Juyne Smith. They had their first daughter, Julie, on Jan. 11, 1960. Their second daughter, Angela, came along Nov. 2, 1968.

Don was a life-long member of Christian Life Center. He and Lesla opened their hearts and homes to Bible studies and home groups for many years. He enjoyed being a "greeter," at church and welcoming new corners.

Donald was quite an entrepreneur. He owned a car wash, various restaurants, as well as the Taco John's restaurants in Missoula. In his last two years, Don enjoyed fixing up houses and selling them, as well as buying lots to build houses with his good friend, Pastor Russ Allaway. He also enjoyed attending high school basketball and football games. He and Lesla were die-hard Grizzly football fans. He adored his two daughters and deeply loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don was highly independent arid loved to stay busy. He gave of himself to others from his heart and touched many lives during his time here on Earth. He was truly and extraordinary man who will be very missed by all who were blessed to have known him. He now joins his wife, Lesla; his sister Dorothy and mom and dad in heaven. As well as his friend, Wayne.

Survivors include his sister, Carol Johnson of Missoula; his two daughters, Julie Lindenmuth of Absarokee and Angela Stenslie of Missoula, and their children as well as six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Christian Life Center, 3801 S. Russell St., with Pastor Dave Phillips officiating. A reception will follow the service.

Arrangements are under the care of Cremation Burial Society of the Rockies.


Read Donald Olson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.