Donald (Don), 90, was born on a farm in Long Prairie, Minnesota on May 20, 1931 to Paul and Agnes Olson.  He passed away in Silverton, OR., August 22, 2021. After graduating from Sequoia High School in Long Prairie in 1949, Don left the farm and joined the U.S. Navy training as an aviation electrician in Jacksonville, Fl. He was soon transferred to the west coast where he met  Betty Jean Ruth in San Jose, CA. Don was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1952 and married the love of his life, Betty, October 30, 1953. Don started a career at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, CA., in 1955 where he worked 33 years, retiring as Chief Telescope Operator and supervisor on board the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. Don and Betty started their retirement years in Silverton in 1988.

Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty, Son Scot (Catherine), son, Marc (Pamela) and daughter Jody (Larry) Fredrickson. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Paul, Eric and Christa, and one great-granddaughter, Marigold.

A Celebration of Don's life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Silverton First Baptist Church. Private Inurnment was held at Willamette National with military honors. Arrangements with Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton