Earl “Dee” Olson, 87, of Hoyt, KS passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016 at his home. He was born May 1, 1929 in Manhattan, KS the son of Conrad E. and Clarice (Gregg) Olson.

Dee graduated from Hoyt High School in 1948. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and also served in the Army National Guard. Dee was a machinist for over 30 years at Allis Chalmers in Topeka. He later worked for the Hoyt City Council, City of Hoyt as Street Commissioner and ground maintenance for the Parks and Rec Department, retiring in 2013.

Dee was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for over 40 years, retiring as Battalion Chief in 2012. He was also a member of American Legion Post 400, IAM (International Assoc. Machinist) and Jackson County Storm Spotters.

He married Wilma Jean Rouse on August 24, 1951 in Circleville. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Viola Stevens.

Survivors include a son, Conrad L. Olson of Osage City, KS; 2 grandsons, Jason Woltje and Jamie Woltje and a granddaughter, Jill Ellis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the West Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Topeka. Family will greet friends Monday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Hoyt Community Building. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the Dee Olson Fire Fighter Scholarship Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.