Daniel G. Olson, 84, passed away on a beautiful fall morning, October 7, 2025.
Born to the late George and Rose Olson in Mayville, Dan graduated from Mayville High School in 1959. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a master’s degree in Wildlife Management from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale. As he often said, he got his schooling at the universities, but his real education was at Clark’s Greenhouse and the Mayville Canning Factory.
Dan dedicated 20 years to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Manager. Among his many accomplishments, he was proud to have played a significant role in removing the cormorant from the Endangered Species list. He was also the 1972 Wisconsin State Duck Calling Champion—an achievement that reflected his lifelong passion for waterfowl.
Following his time with the DNR, Dan spent 17 years with Ducks Unlimited in various roles. His deep love for birds inspired his efforts to raise funds for wetland conservation. His favorite playgrounds were the Horicon Marsh and Rush Lake, where he spent countless days hunting —first alongside his father and brothers, and later with his own children.
Tradition was at the heart of Dan’s life. For more than 70 years, he spent time at Mercer Lake in Woodruff, where he shared his love of fishing and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved pan fishing and musky fishing there with family. In recent years, one of his favorite pastimes was enjoying morning coffee on the porch, taking in the quiet beauty of nature and watching the bird’s fly overhead.
After retirement, Dan gave generously of his time as a board member for the Oconto Electric Community Change Board, the Oconto Area Humane Shelter, and the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands group.
Dan was known for his compassion toward animals. Whether it was a squirrel, rabbit, bird, deer, or eagle, he was always ready to help. If he couldn’t nurse an injured animal back to health himself, he made sure it found its way to someone who could.
While his love of hunting and fishing was unmatched, his devotion to his dogs was just as strong. Over the years, he had many loyal companions who were not only his best hunting partners but, as he liked to say, truly “a man’s best friend.”
He is survived by his three children, Kiar (Tina) Olson, Tyra (Tim) Stoehr, and Kjell (Leah) Olson; his brothers, George Olson and James (Marge) Olson; and his six grandchildren, Annika, Bergin, Halden, Anders, Parker, and Mason as well as many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose Olson.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Ducks Unlimited Inc, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 Attn: Danny Olson Memorial Gift, or as either a sponsor or member, in Dan’s name.
A special thank you goes out to Dan’s caregiver, Jill, and to all the staff at Rennes Group of De Pere for such amazing care and compassion they have shown to Dan and his family.
Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the Family. www.Koepsellfh.com
