In Memoriam: Rev. Daniel Olson and Barbara Olson
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.
Read Pastor Dan’s obituary at Legacy.com here.
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.
Barbara B. Olson
Barbara B. Olson was born May 4th, 1937, and passed away on December 30th, 2024. She was surrounded by her husband and children and extended family. She was an amazing Wife and Mother. She graduated from Concordia College where she met her doting husband Daniel Olson of 67 years. She received her degree in Childhood Education and began her grade school teaching in Moline while her husband was going into the Seminary. Their story was a true love story. Her husband Daniel passed away shortly following her death. Survived by her loving children, Peter, Chris, Joel, Jennie and Julie. She was our Grand Dame, Our Warrior of Strength, Our Momma, Blue Eyed Beauty, Amazing Grandma, Loving Sister, Aunt and Friend to so many. A Teacher, Painter, Avid Swimmer, Bargain Shopper, Bread Maker, Cookie Maker, Summer Slush Inventor, A Preachers Wife and Adventurer. She and our father moved to Ethiopia at age 37 with their five children to serve as missionaries. She was stricken with Guillain-Barré syndrome while living in Ethiopia and was paralyzed from her neck down. She overcame all obstacles and was the fiercest example of strength. She instilled that in all her children and taught us so much love and compassion in her beautiful life. We love you so much Mom and know you are now with your parents Thora and Norris and your precious husband and our DaddyO who just joined you in the heavens and who will always take care of you. Thank you Mom for everything. You are at peace now Momma. Friends and Family, Thank you for Your Prayers and Support. Services will be held for both our parents on April 26th, 2025 at 11:00am at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, Arizona.
Rev. Daniel W. Olson
Daniel W. Olson was born on June 18th, 1937 and passed away on February 21st, 2025 shortly after the death of his beautiful wife Barbara Olson of 67 years. Daniel graduated from Concordia in Moorhead in 1959 and he graduated from Augustana Seminary in Rock Island IL in 1963. He was ordained in June, 1963 at Alexandria, Mn. His first parish was at Bethany Lutheran in Arco, Mn. in 1963. He is survived by his children, Peter, Chris, Joel, Jennie and Julie. The presence of greatness. That was our DaddyO. A wordsmith, a storyteller, a man whose words reached into the soul of all those who read his book, letters, or heard his sermons. Some referred to him as a God Carrier and a Teacher of the Holy Spirit. A Lutheran Minister, A Missionary Man. From the Sands of Ethiopia, the Ivory Coast, Uganda, Namibia to Liberia and surviving a plane crash in Sierra Leone, our Dad was a vessel of goodness and kindness. A husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a humanitarian for all. He started Gifts of Hope in Surprise, AZ and raised over half million dollars to buy generators, to build wells and to provide livestock to families in need in his beloved Africa. A caretaker to his kids and wife Barbara when she became ill with Guillain Barre while living overseas as a missionaries in Ethiopia. His family always came first.
A quiet and gentle man brimming with wisdom and strength. Our Rock. Our leader of the band. The nurses and hospice remarked they never saw a heart as strong as his so close to death, but we knew better. Rest in peace Daddy0, you are now with Mom. We love you so.Friends and Family, Thank you for Your Prayers and Support. Services will be held for both our parents on April 26th, 2025 at 11:00am at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, Arizona.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you Rev. Daniel and Barbara. We thank you for giving them to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”
