Daryl "Barney" Edward Olson passed away peacefully at home on June 19, 2024, at age 86 with his wife by his side.

A Celebration of Life for Daryl "Barney" Olson, age 86, will be held Thursday, June 27th, at 12:00 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jackson, MN with Pastor John Schuetz officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Oak Mound Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

A time of visitation and gathering will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson.

Daryl ("Barney") Edward Olson was born March 13, 1938, in Moorhead, Minnesota to Edward and Edna (Rundgren) Olson. He grew up in Moorhead and attended Moorhead High School graduating in 1956. Daryl attended Moorhead State University (Moorhead, MN) and graduated with degrees in Math and Biological Science. Daryl married the love of his life, Ann Marie Benson, on July 16, 1961. They headed to California after both were offered teaching jobs in the Los Angeles Unified School District. After teaching in LA and starting a family, they moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Daryl attended The Ohio State University earning his master's degree in counseling. Daryl accepted a job as High School Counselor at Jackson High School, in Jackson, MN in 1969.

It was in his first year at Jackson High School that Daryl was given his nickname of "Barney". The kids in school thought Daryl resembled "Barney Fife" from The Andy Griffith Show. The nickname stuck, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Daryl was very involved at the school and in the community. With experience from his youth in gymnastics, Daryl started a men's gymnastics team at Jackson High School. He later became assistant coach and then head coach for the girls' gymnastics team, spending twenty-five years in the program. During his time with the girls' gymnastics team, the team won four state championships, four runners-up, a number of third place finishes, as well as many state appearances. Daryl is a member of the Minnesota Girls' Gymnastics Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Daryl always remembered the lesson handed down to him from his parents: "You are here for a purpose. Do as much as you can to make this world a better place." Daryl demonstrated this throughout his lifetime by becoming involved in community service. He was active in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jaycees, Cub Scouts, Jackson Golf Club, Jackson Development Organization, American Field Service (AFS), Dollars for Scholars and the Lion's Organization, where he served as a District Governor, as well as many other community and regional organizations. He was proud of Jackson's history and became integrally involved in Jackson Tourism and Fort Belmont moving to the current location by the interstate.

Sargeant 1st Class Daryl Olson retired proudly from the Minnesota Army National Guard after 24 years of service.

Daryl was a proud family man. He loved to spend time with his family and meet new people. He was known to introduce himself to everyone around with a very firm handshake and "Hi, I'm Barney from Jackson, MN!!" He was known for his hugs that would squeeze the breath out of you, his dancing even when everyone else was tired out, and his obsessive picture taking. He also enjoyed keeping a large garden, raising different animals at different times on his hobby farm, golfing, and collecting and displaying Dicken's Village pieces. Through everything, he always kept "PMA" (Positive Mental Attitude)!!

Daryl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Marie (Benson) Olson; two sons, Jeffrey (Tracy) of Brooklyn Park, MN; and, Christopher (Kari) of Suring, WI; four grandchildren, Jacob Olson of Pine Island, MN; Brynn Olson of Alexandria, MN; Mitchell Olson of Duluth, MN; and Maxwell Olson of Fort Moore, GA, serving in the U.S. Army; four step-grandchildren, Chad Behnke of Chicago, IL; Kyle Behnke (Lindsey) of Appleton, WI; Darek Behnke (Anna) of Oconto Falls, WI; and Morgan Vanden Heuvel of St Louis Park, MN; and four step-great grandchildren: Christian, Freya, Caroline, and Luca; and AFS exchange host children: Deanna (Australia), Sjoerd (Netherlands); Arian (Germany), and Miguel (Argentina).

Preceding him in death was his parents; his sister, Sharlene; and his brothers, Dale and Dean.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Don Whisney, Maria Ramos, and Sanford Hospice Care for all of their help and care.