Burnette Olson

Burnette Avol Olson passed away March 11, 2024 with his wife of 67 years by his side.  Burnette’s life revolved around family, church, friends and community.  Burnette was born on October 5, 1933 to Benny and Alma Olson (nee) Barman, and was raised on the family farm near Admiral.  Burnette was the third child born in the Olson family.  He attended school in the Admiral area.

On March 16, 1957 Burnette married Arlene Austring.  Burnette and Arlene worked hard to build a life and raise a family.  They lived in Swift Current where Burnette worked at Ham Motors and the kids went to school.  In the summers, Burnette would farm and the girls have fond memories of staying there.  Burnette would later work as Parts Manager at Jackson Motors, in Swift Current and Medicine Hat while Arlene worked various jobs at the hospital and raising their family.

They were blessed with 5 children: Donna, Beryl, Nancy, Rodney and Paul after losing their first son Lyle shortly after his birth.  

Burnette loved farming, lending a helping hand whenever possible and being involved in the church community.  He made many friends through the church and all his volunteering.  Whether he was driving people out of town to medical appointments, sitting with hospice patients, or just driving people to Sunday service he was always willing to help anyone out.  Burnette loved farming, fishing and gardening, although I think his grandchildren raided his garden so often there wasn’t much to harvest in the fall.  Although he did still manage to make the best strawberry jam in the world according to his grandchildren.  Burnette also enjoyed fixing things around the house or car with his brother Vern, and being able to laugh at themselves when they made a mistake or put a window in backwards.  

Burnette was a part of the Scandinavian Club in Swift Current and enjoyed activities through the club.  They would take bus trips to Saskatoon to visit the Norwegian Pavilion at Folk Fest.  He was always proud to be Norwegian and made sure to keep many of his favorite dishes a staple in the house.  Burnette was one of the only ones with enough patience to make lefsa for family and friends.

Burnette is survived by his loving wife Arlene Olson; his children Donna Borstmayer, Beryl (Rod) Ljunggren, Nancy (Wesley) Popoff, Paul Olson; Grandchildren Rob, Stacy (Luke), Krissy, Tyson (Kim), Jorrie (Sean), Dylan (Justine), Michael (Janessa), Becky (Mike), Tanya, Amanda (Brad), Shawna, and 20 great grandchildren.  His in-laws Marie, Oriole (Don), Wayne, Diane (Wilmer), Dorothy, Glen, Joanne, Jerome (Eva), and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many other loved ones. 

Burnette is predeceased by his parents Alma and Benny Olson; his parent in-laws Alvina and Ole Austring.  His sons Lyle and Rodney; his granddaughter Tara; his siblings Hazel, Orville, and Vern, his in-laws Shirley, Juverna, John and Gayle.

All of Burnette’s grandchildren, and great grandchildren are honorary pallbearers. 

The Celebration of Burnette’s Life was held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Swift Current, SK on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Patti Sherk officiating.  Interment service will be held at a later date.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kinsmen Telemiracle.  

Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home.  For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit the website www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.

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