Harlan F. Olson, 76, of Arlington, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Brookings Hospital. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm Monday, March 14, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lake Norden. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Norden. Geise Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Harlan Frank Olson was born December 17, 1939 near Lake Poinsett, SD, the son of Frank and Francis (Wayrynen) Olson. He attended country school and graduated of Castlewood High School in 1957. He joined the Marine Corp and served from 1958 to 1961.  He was united in marriage to Carol Anderson on September 26, 1962 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Hayti, SD. He received his Banking Degree from University of Minnesota-Morris. Harlan managed finance companies in Kansas, Colorado and Huron, SD. In 1977 he began working at Norwest Bank (Wells Fargo) in Watertown as a Loan Officer and continued working there until his retirement in 1988.

Harlan had a great passion for archeology and history, especially in the Lake Poinsett area. He spent many hours searching for, finding, and collecting Pioneer and Indian artifacts. He took his knowledge and presented at many workshops and schools. Over his years, he had spoken to over 9,500 students. He took great pride in the Lake Poinsett Museum and spent many hours volunteering there and sharing his knowledge with those who visited the museum.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Norden. He was also member and past member of the Watertown Elks and Lions Clubs, Watertown American Legion, Brookings County Historical Society, Ducks Unlimited, Gopher State Archeology Society, Kansas State Archeology Society, South Dakota Archeology Society and the Paleo Research Counsel. Harlan also served on the Township Board and Lake Poinsett Cemetery Board for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Olson, of Arlington, SD; one daughter, Lori (Jim) Hopkins, of Battle Creek, MI; one son, Brian (Julie) Olson, of Watertown; three grandchildren, Katie (Cullen) Mack, Andrew Olson and Ryan Hopkins and one brother, Leland (Rose) Olson, of Arlington, SD.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.