Richard “Dick” Olson, 87, entered peacefully into eternal life on October 15, 2026 surrounded by the great love of their family. Dick is cherished by his wife of 66 years, Janice (née Kombrink), and his four children, Amy (wife to John Tindall), Eric (husband to Sondra Olson, Molly (wife to Jay Venzke), and Andrew (husband to Lauren Olson). Dick is also survived by his many grandchildren: Kristin, Kira, Nick, Drew, Brenndon, Jake, Alex, Madeline, Tessa, Avalinn, and Watkin, and his great-grandchildren: Dylan, Max, Nicholai, John-Luke, Olive, Julianna; and great-great grandchildren Caroline, and Cashton.
Richard and Janice were married on April 18, 1960 as high school sweethearts. Over the 66 years, Dick and Jan sowed into the lives of other young marrieds by leading them through marriage preparation. Always in love, they walked together throughout his lifetime, hand-in-hand.
Deacon Dick was ordained a Catholic permanent deacon in 1980 and served at St. Peter’s Cathedral, before serving at St. Nicholas alongside Rev. Bill Hitpas from 1982 to 2022. For decades, Deacon Dick humbly lived out the mantra of St. Francis of Assisi, “At all times preach the Gospel and when necessary, use words.”
An avid Cardinal fan, Dick worked in finance at Rawlings Sporting Goods for 35 years, and in retirement held down section 157 as an usher at Busch Stadium, keeping the law and order of those fans.
Richard “Papa” had a deep love for his family and spent much of his time attending ball games, plays, baptisms, first communions, and weekly family dinners. By his example, he left a legacy in each child and grandchild of compassion for people, a love of Jesus Christ, a commitment to the sacrament of marriage, and a dry, sarcastic wit.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Marcella, nee Abegg, Olson; and his brother Ronald.
Visitation will be 4-7 pm, Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon, Ill., and again on Wednesday, at the church, beginning at 10 am.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon, Ill, with Rev. Nicholas Junker presiding. Private burial with the family will be held later at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.
Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., is serving the Olson family.
