We offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.
Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Pastor Dan’s ministry was deeply intertwined with a global vision of the church’s mission. Together, he and Barbara spent their lives in dedicated service, particularly to ministries in Africa. In 1974, they moved their young family to Ethiopia, where they served for three years before returning home when Barbara fell seriously ill. Dan’s passion for global ministry led him to serve as Africa Secretary of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) in 1982, and following the formation of the ELCA, he became Africa Program Director in 1988. His leadership continued as he became Director of the Global Educators Network in 1993, working to strengthen Lutheran education and mission efforts worldwide.
One of Dan’s most enduring legacies is Gifts of Hope, a ministry he helped launch more than 20 years ago. Through this initiative, Lutheran congregations and individuals have given over $725,000 to ministries across Africa, supporting vital work in education, health care, and community development.
In retirement, Dan and Barbara made their home in Sun City Grand, becoming early members of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church. In later years, they moved to Royal Oaks Retirement Community in Sun City, where they remained active in faith and fellowship.
Dan and Barbara lived lives shaped by deep faith, global service, and generous love. Their presence will be deeply missed, but their legacy of compassion and mission will continue to inspire. May light perpetual shine upon them.