David W. Olson

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of David W. Olson, a beloved husband, father, and lifelong farmer, on August 25, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on May 4, 1938, in Buda, Illinois, to Donald and Carolyn (Grubb) Olson, David lived his entire life deeply rooted in farming—a calling, not just a profession. From sunrise to sundown, he found purpose in the rhythm of the seasons, the care of his livestock, and the unshakable bond between a farmer, the land, and the animals he raised. His days were devoted to tending the soil, raising livestock, serving agriculture, and providing for his family.

David grew up on his family’s livestock and grain farm near Buda, where the Olson Bros. Registered Angus herd, started by his father and uncle, became a cornerstone of the family’s legacy. Active in FFA, David’s Buda FFA Livestock Judging Team won the state’s Livestock Judging Contest in 1955 and went on to represent Illinois at the National FFA Convention in Kansas City. At the national contest, David earned a gold medal for his skill in breeding and carcass evaluations—an early sign of the passion and talent that would guide his life.

After graduating from high school in 1956, David proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. While stationed in Pensacola, Florida, he also worked at Gibb Angus Farm, further cementing his lifelong connection to agriculture. Following his naval service, he worked for several prominent Angus herds and traveled to numerous state fairs with their show strings before returning to Illinois to farm.

David began farming on his own in 1960. After marrying Margaret Ann (Burress) on August 5, 1962, the two lived near his parents, often hand-picking corn to fill the back of their Jeep to feed the hogs. In 1963, they moved to a farmstead at Walnut, Illinois, where they raised crops and livestock and welcomed their two children, Tom and Julie. In 1970, the family moved to their farm outside Princeton, where David and Margaret Ann have lived ever since.

David’s dedication extended beyond his own farm. He received the Illinois Pork Producers Association Superior Pork Award, served as president of the Illinois Poland China Association in the late 1970s and was active in the Bureau County Pork Producers Association, helping organize the Pork Days & Homestead Festival. He coordinated the meat orders and worked with packing plants to compile carcass data for the annual Pork Days Barrow Show. In 1965, he proudly exhibited a crossbred barrow that placed 6th in carcass at the Kewanee Hog Days Festival. David and his family later received the National Poland China Record Association Distinguished Service Award, and he and Margaret Ann were also recognized in 1988 by the Bureau County Pork Producers for their outstanding service to the pork industry.

David took great pride in teaching not only his own children but also area youth the skills of farming—driving a manual transmission truck, handling machinery, and caring for livestock. He deeply valued working with the Black Hawk College–East Campus work experience students who spent time learning on the family farm. For over 20 years, he especially cherished the family hosting livestock judging workouts for more than 2,500 youth and coaches, encouraging them before their regional and national contests.

David had a lifelong love for dogs. Over the years, he cared for and worked alongside as many as 22 special companions, training most of them to help with the cattle and hogs on the farm. Each one held a special place in his heart, and he never tired of sharing stories about their personalities, their quirks, and the ways they enriched his life.

When not working on the farm or enjoying the nature around him, David was a devoted Cubs fan and an enthusiastic follower of college football and basketball. In his later years, he found joy in gardening and sitting on the porch of his shed, watching the world grow and wildlife move around him.

His hard work, steady hands, and enduring spirit were evident in every field he planted, every harvest he gathered, and every animal he raised. Beyond farming, David will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and quiet wisdom. He believed in the value of honesty, the dignity of hard work, and the joy of sharing the fruits of his labor with others. Though his hands may now be at rest, his legacy lives on in the fields he nurtured, the livestock he tended, the family he raised, and the countless lives he touched.

David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Ann; his son, Tom (Alana Parm), Wyanet, Illinois; daughter, Julie, Princeton, Illinois; and nephew and nieces. He was also a proud honorary grandfather to Tyler, Casey, Jamie, Lilly, and Chris. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Olson, sister Jean Keith, and numerous close cousins.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. at the Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, Illinois. An additional visitation and the funeral service will follow on Monday, September 1, 2025. The visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with the funeral starting at 11 a.m., at the Wyanet United Methodist Church, Wyanet, Illinois, with a private burial at a later date. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather after the funeral at The Gathering Place in Wyanet for a light luncheon and to share memories of David’s life rooted in love, faith, and hard work.

Pallbearers: Joe Olson, Jim Allicks, Chris Shynk, Justin Peterson, Derek Price, and Ty Olson
Honorary pallbearers: Doug Lovgren and Darrel Lambird

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of David Olson to the Black Hawk College Livestock Judging Team. Checks should be made payable to: Black Hawk College East College Foundation, with David Olson’s name in the memo. Checks or cash may be left at the services or mailed directly to Black Hawk East College Foundation, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL 61434.