Ralph Delaine Olson, age 90, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Ralph was born February 18, 1936, at the family farm home near Genoa, Nebraska, on a cold snowy night, the son of Frank and Evelyn (Anderson) Olson. Due to the dust bowl days, no crops were raised that year, so the family moved to a farm east of Lewis, Iowa, and later a farm near Red Oak, Iowa, where Ralph was raised. He attended Ratliff country school for 8 years, just north of the current hospital’s location. Ralph graduated from Red Oak High School in the class of 1953. He worked for several farmers in the area before starting with BF Goodrich. Ralph was then drafted into the United States Army in 1956 and served in Germany until being honorably discharged in 1958. He worked for Beeson Trucking and Kinnison Trucking over the road for several years. Ralph was united in marriage to Phyllis Dobbs on April 26, 1959, in Red Oak, Iowa. Ralph and Phyllis bought their home farm in 1975, where they raised three children: Sheila, David, and Danny. Ralph was a longtime member of the Stratton United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge. Ralph’s passion was farming and spending time with family. He attended every sporting event for the kids and grandkids. He took great pride in taking care of his yard and flowers and received “Yard of the Month” one year. Ralph also enjoyed spending time with friends at Pizza Ranch and the Elks Lodge. Ralph was united in marriage to Joanne Hicks and enjoyed 18 years together before her passing in 2025.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife: Phyllis; wife Joanne; grandson: Todd Madsen; and brothers: Robert, Howard, and Lyle. Survivors include his children: Sheila Madsen and husband Curt of W. Des Moines, IA; David Olson and wife Lynne of W. Des Moines, IA; and Danny Olson and wife Kandee of Red Oak, IA; grandchildren: Kelly Visser and husband Adam; Janelle Martin and husband Robbie; Jake Olson and wife Brittni; Cam Crismon; Kendra Crismon; and Delaina Olson; step-children: Terry Westerlund and wife Amy of Red Oak, IA, and Tammy Magneson and husband Jeff of Stanton, IA; step-grandchildren: Heather Downing and husband Adam; Dayne Magneson and wife Bailey; Seth Esaias and wife Carly; and Noah Westerlund; many great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 PM Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Montgomery County Ag Society or the Red Oak Elks Lodge.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.