Robert L. Olson

Robert L. Olson, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Bob was born to Clairbel and Raymond Olson on December 11, 1946, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

As a young man, Bob moved to Minneapolis after serving as an MP in the US Army, and earning a National Defense Service Medal. In September of 1968, Bob met the love of his life, Judy Schipansky, and 9 months later, they were married (May 31, 1969) and remained happily married for 56 years. The vast majority of those years (48 years) were spent at their home on Minnehaha Parkway in South Minneapolis, where Bob and Judy welcomed their son, Michael, in September of 1977, and their daughter, Rachael, in May of 1980. The home on the Parkway hosted countless holidays, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings. At nearby St. Helena Catholic Church, Bob and Judy were active members and Michael and Rachael attended elementary school. There, The Olson’s found so many lifelong friends.

Bob provided for his family, and was a generous person. Known for helping others without thought of reward, Bob found professional success as a salesman and business owner, and perhaps his favorite venture was his most recent - opening his own retail hearing-aid business: Integrated Hearing Solutions, LLC. He not only won local awards (like “Best in Bloomington”) but he genuinely took profound joy in serving the needs of others, helping them to, as he would often quip, “stay part of the conversation”. When he wasn’t working, he was a constant at both his kids’ and grandchildren’s events. Bob was there: cheering at the games, clapping at the concerts, and bringing his trademark smile (and usually an offer of a Dairy Queen treat afterwards, which his grandkids rarely passed up!).

In business, Bob was fiercely loyal and honest. He led with integrity and positivity. He was famous for a good joke and a life lesson. But if you asked him what he was most proud of, it wouldn’t be any of his business ventures or personal accolades - he would tell you it was his family and his faith.

Bob is survived by his beloved family: his wife Judy Olson, his son Michael Olson (Amanda), his daughter Rachael Herkenhoff (David), his grandchildren- Anna, Colin, Jacob, Ava, Audrey, Henry, his siblings - Patricia Tyler, Sharon Herzberg (Dennis), Vince Olson (Linda), his many nieces and nephews, and the loving family of Jaclyn Sabatino (Joe) and children. Preceded in death by his parents, Clairbel and Raymond Olson, his brother Don Olson, and brother-in-law John Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to two of Bob’s favorite organizations: Sharing and Caring Hands ( https://sharingandcaringhands.org/donate ) or St. Helena Catholic Church https://sainthelenampls.org/

Funeral Mass on February 16, 2026 at 11 AM, Reviewal 10 AM, St. Helena Catholic Church, 3204 E. 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN.

Private Burial with Military Honors on February 17, 2026, Fort Snelling National Cemetery.