Timothy William Olson (60), of San Diego, CA and formerly of Brookings, passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2019, at his home.  A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2019, at Greenwood Cemetery, Brookings.  Memorials can be directed to Wounded Warrior Project and Homeless Veterans.

Tim William Olson was born in Brookings, on Feb. 8, 1959 to Lynne and Omar Olson.  He graduated from Brookings High School in 1977. After high school he joined the Army, attended South Dakota State University, and later joined the Marine Corps.  After three years in the Marine Corps, he received a degree in HVAC in San Diego.  Tim has lived numerous places throughout his life, but his long-term homes were in Brookings, San Diego, CA, and St. Paul, MN.  He married the love of his life, Rose Marie, not once, but twice.   They married on 8/11/79 after meeting at SDSU.  After a break, they reunited in marriage on 3/15/14.  Their home is in San Diego, CA.

Tim lived life to the fullest and had such a gift for living in the present moment.   He lit up a room when he entered it.  His outgoing personality, kindness, and adventurous spirit were his trademarks.  

Anyone that knows him has a “Timmy story” to tell.  Tim’s close friends were so important to him and he considered them family.  He has people he calls friends all over the world from his travels through the military and his career.  It was not unusual for people from all aspects of Tim’s life to randomly receive a phone call just to say hello. This speaks volumes about the person he was.

Tim loved his family.  He did not have children of his own, but considered his nephews, Andy and Matt, his children.  He was a big part of their life as they grew up.  He was their second dad (the fun one) and they were his pride and joy.  His other children were his dogs, which he loved throughout the years.  He leaves behind two special dogs, Bently and Mattie.

The military was a big part of Tim’s life.  He was in the Army, Marines, and National Guard, where he retired.  He was proud of serving his country and met some of his closest longtime friends in the military.  He had a full career in HVAC and facility management.   He worked as a facility manager in numerous places, including River Place, the Target Center, and Dakota County Technical College in Minneapolis.  He changed careers to military contracting and had the opportunity to travel the world to military bases.  This career brought him back to his roots with the military, which he enjoyed.

Tim loved to travel and explore new areas.  He loved the beauty of the ocean and his favorite places he traveled to often were Japan and Hawaii.  He had a love for music.  His music collection over the years was amazing.  His home was often filled with music and he enjoyed listening to live music with his wife, Rose.  He also had an eye for antiques and art.  He found some unique items over the years, which filled his homes.  He had great handy man skills and often had “projects” going on around the house.  His latest project was restoring an old Chevy truck he recently purchased.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Marie of San Diego, CA; father, Omar Olson of Brookings; sister, Vickie Kahnke (Jeff) of Savage, MN; nephews, Andy Kahnke of Washington, D.C. and Matt Kahnke of St. Paul, MN; sisters-in-law, Vonnie Koopal, Joan DeVelder (Harley), Ruth Koopal, Laura Stuetelberg (Dennis), Nancy Schade (Jim) and Marlys Walkling (Vernon); Rose Marie’s children, Kailey and Chris Hooper of San Diego, CA; many family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Lynne Olson; mother-in-law, Rose Huber; father-in-law, Art Huber; maternal grandparents, Bernard and Mary Ellen Schwartzkopf; paternal grandparents, Arnold and Herta Olson and his uncles Richard Olson, Dean Olson, and Bill Schwartzkopf.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.