Gordon Eugene Olson, 87, formerly of Sweet Home, died on September 7, 2025 at Timberwood Memory Court after nine years living with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was born November 22, 1937 to Marvin and Mae (Bauer) Olson in Brockton, Montana.

Gordon grew up on his parent’s farm near Culbertson, Montana. He was an enrolled member of the Sioux Tribe at Fort Peck from his mother’s side, a heritage of which he was very proud. He had many fond memories of his youth in Montana training and racing horses with his father and four brothers near the Big Muddy. Later in life, he loved to regale his family with his childhood adventures, such as the time he had a pet hawk or the story of the infamous elk stew. Gordon was a wonderful storyteller and had an excellent memory for the family’s history, particularly of the exploits of Grandpa Fred Bauer and great-uncle John Bauer, who had been boxers.

Gordon later moved to Oregon and was a longtime resident of the Lebanon and Sweet Home area. He worked at the Foster Plywood Mill for many years and then worked delivering newspapers for the Democrat Herald. He played guitar, was an avid reader of the daily newspaper and enjoyed spoiling his orange tabby.

Gordon was first married to Marilyn and had three children: Valerie, James and Marty. He was later married to Betsy and had Trena, Angie, Ole (Timothy) and (Gordon) Shane, as well as his stepson Tracy. His third marriage to Diana late in life brought one more child, Josephine. Gordon has nineteen grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his brothers Donny and Freddy; children: Valerie Kuntz, Marty Olson, Tracy Hayes, Trena Gallardo, Angie Winn, (Gordon) Shane Olson, and Josephine Olson. He was preceded in death by his brothers Merril and Victor; sons James and Timothy; granddaughter Shaina.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge at 11 a.m. on Saturday November 8th 2025. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com