Richard John Olson

Richard “Rick” John Olson passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026 at home in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Richard was born to Clarence and Catherine (Pfau) Olson on June 14, 1948 in Mandan, ND. Coming into the world on Flag Day, he seemed destined for his lifelong love of the American flag. Rick staunchly defended Mandan as "the best place to grow up." He maintained this belief even after a lifetime of exploring the United States and numerous other countries and continents through his military service, motorcycle excursions across Europe and the U.S., and extensive travels with IBM.

Rick began his military service by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he served overseas in Vietnam. After returning home, he obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, married his wife Mary Ann, and started grad work before deciding to enter the U.S. Army as an officer. Rick proudly served in the Army with distinction and ultimately reached the rank of Major. He embarked into the private sector, taking a position with IBM. Rick and Mary Ann moved to Pennsylvania, eventually settling in Mechanicsburg and raising two beloved daughters. Rick provided years of loyal service as a Project Management consultant at IBM until retirement.

In retirement, Rick dedicated himself to serving veterans and the community through the various local organizations that he loved. He served as long-standing VFW Commander for Carlisle Post 477 and stayed involved with veteran programs outreach at Post 7530, where he hung his hat. Rick’s time with Project New Hope at the PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp was a passion project for him; there he championed their mission of supporting disabled veterans by holding positions such as the Liaison to the BOD, Board Sergeant-at-Arms, and dedicated honorary member of the Veteran Project New Hope Committee with the Lions. Rick proved time and again that he was always willing to put down everything to assist a veteran in crisis no matter the hour.

Rick was seldom seen without his military patch-laden vest and was always eager to strike up a friendly conversation. Equally important to him was intently following his grandson’s baseball career, where he was always amongst the loudest in attendance, and eliciting the biggest baby smiles from his granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Hahn) Olson; daughter Katherine, and daughter Elizabeth and her husband Sean; as well as much-loved grandchildren Connor and Genevieve. Rick is also survived by brother Robert Olson and loving extended family and close friends.

Following his wishes, Rick will be cremated and interred with a service at Fort Indiantown Gap at a date to be determined and a Celebration of Life to be held at his Post. Dates will be posted as soon as arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your own favorite charity in Rick’s name.