Paul and LaVerne Olson (both 97 years old) of Presho were honored earlier this month (Aug. 12, 2023) with an Acts of Excellence Award during the Music ‘N’ More event held at the Presho City Park. Presho Mayor Ehler introduced South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar where she then proceeded to recognize the Olsons for their lifetime of extraordinary service to their community.
The life stories of Paul and LaVerne were shared, as well as a list of their numerous awards and community contributions. Paul’s areas of excellence included being generous and community-minded, and LaVerne’s areas of excellence included helping people when she can, maintaining a healthy attitude, and always accentuating the positive.
Becvar shared that Paul’s greatest achievement in life was care of the cemetery—serving as president of the Cemetery Association for 60 years. As a World War II veteran, Paul is also proud of those who have served our country and are keeping the community Legion alive.
“Be thankful that things are as good as they can be,” was the advice that Paul lives by.
LaVerne’s life stories were shared, noting that her greatest achievement in life thus far has been working with the Modern Woodmen club and chapter, as well as Thrivent. She continues to live life with the wisdom in mind of “keep going as long as you can”. Some of LaVerne’s favorite life quotes were read to attendees, which included the following: “So live that when thy summons come to join the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm” – Thanatopsis (View of Death) by William Cullen Bryant; and “If I should live to be the last leaf on the tree, let them smile as I do now at that old forsaken bough, to which I cling” – The Last Leaf by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
After the presentation, attendees enjoyed the Army National Guard’s Essential Brass Band’s performance.
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An exhibit featuring Paul and LaVerne Olson and their legacy will be on display at the SD Hall of Fame’s Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain this summer (and throughout the year), along with the other 2023 Act of Excellence recipients.
The 2023 Acts of Excellence Award recipients will be further celebrated at the Honors Ceremony, to be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Visitor and Education Center of the South Dakota Hall of Fame located at 1480 S. Main Street in Chamberlain, SD. At this time, a new exhibit featuring the 15 Acts of Excellence Award recipients of 2023 will be presented.
Participating in the award presentation virtually from Faribault, MN were: Paul Olson, Michael Hildebrandt (Paul and LaVerne’s son-in-law), Dan Hildebrandt (Paul and LaVerne’s grandchild) and Dan’s wife Heather, Eric’s wife Alisha, and Isla Hildebrandt (Paul and LaVerne’s great-grandchild).
Courtesy photo.
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