Raymond Calvin "Ray" Olson went home to be with Our Lord, September 5, 2015.

Raymond was born June 5, 1924 to Maurice and Ida (Sperle) Olson in Bixby, SD. The family lived in Bixby until 1932; they then moved to Miscal, SD, where Ray attended school. Along with his two younger brothers, Vernon and Elwood, Ray helped his parents raise sheep. Ray played guitar and his brother Vernon played mandolin and fiddle. They would often play for kitchen "sweat" dances (this was before air conditioning). Over time, Ray developed a love for flying and eventually purchased his own airplane. He was happiest when soaring through the skies giving joyrides, delivering groceries, checking cattle, or helping family and friends get to where they needed to go.

Ray married Anna Marie Dikoff September 30, 1951, in Timber Lake, SD. Ray and Anna had two daughters; Judy Ann born in 1952 and Sharon Rae born in 1954. For several years, Ray provided for his family by ranching/farming for the Henry Meyer Ranch. When Anna was diagnosed with Lupus, and due to her failing health, Ray decided to move to Timber Lake to be closer to family. In September of 1965, Anna passed away.

After moving to Timber Lake, Ray worked for the Dewey County Highway Department. He retired from the Dept in 1989 as Highway Superintendent.

Ray married Delores Chapel in May of 1969. They enjoyed 41 years of marriage and traveled to nearly every corner of the United States as well as several places in Canada. In 1994 the couple moved to Spearfish, SD. Ray had maintained the lawn for Holy Cross Catholic church in Timber Lake and he continued to do the same for St. Joseph Catholic church in Spearfish. He also did janitorial work for the local movie theater in Spearfish and made latch hook rugs in his leisure time. His beloved wife Delores passed away March 10, 2010. Family and friends were very important to Ray. He had a great sense of humor and his family loved hearing him reminisce about the past.

Ray is survived by his daughters Judy (Joe) Stavnes of Fort Collins, CO, Sharon (Dave) Kelly of Torrington, WY, and stepson Mitch (Deatta) Chapel of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren Shawn Willson, Jodi Fullmer, Michele Bullock, Charlene Bernard, Kash Kelly, Dwaine Chapel, Clint Chapel, Ryne Chapel, and Dawn Miles; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; sister in law Loretta Olson; and many very special friends.

Ray's family extends a heartfelt Thank You to all who cared for him during his last days and to all the loving family members and friends who came to visit and check on his well-being. Extra thanks go to niece Shelley Jochim for all her help with Ray and to her husband Allen for his electronics expertise.

Ray was preceded in death by his first wife Anna, second wife Delores, his parents Maurice and Ida, brothers Vernon and Elwood, and nephew Jim Olson.

Vigil and rosary services will be held at 7:00pm, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish, with visitation one hour prior to the vigil.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:00am, Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.

A memorial has been established to benefit St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com