Oscar, third child born to Cora and Alto Oland, will be fondly remembered by many from the Dakotas to the deserts and pines of Arizona. Always extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage, family homesteading efforts, upbringing and life, he stood tall in his beliefs and loyalties. Kidder was his stomping grounds as a kid and boy did he love his schoolhouse and life as a young farmer.

After high school, he served in the Navy and saw the world on the USS Allagash. He then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota and earned a bachelor’s degree. He married Marlene Podoll and they moved to Phoenix to begin their careers and lives as parents to three daughters. He was a great provider, comedian and spread his love of music to his family. He encouraged creative abilities.

In the late 70s, he decided to move from the “burbs” and designed and built his own paradise where he thrived having acreage, horses and tractors. This is where the family still gathers some 40 years later. He loved hosting Christmas, and his home was typically the most beautifully decorated in the neighborhood. A true explorer of the southwest, he collected Indian items, cowboy boots and was skilled in accessorizing his life. He spoke broken Spanish and enjoyed beach visits to California and Mexico. His many friendships included neighbors and just about anyone who crossed his path...he was a father figure to neighborhood kids, nieces and nephews. Some of his hobbies included: camping, hunting, often on horseback in rugged terrain, mexican food, preferably in the company of Mariachis, tractors, amateur racehorse ownership, oyster stew, lefsa and Budweiser, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash, to name a few, crossword puzzles and reading.

Oscar passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 93.

Oscar is survived by his wife, Marlene; sister, Corrine; daughters: Michele, Lisa and Kristen; grandchildren: Travis, Adrienne, Chelsea and Ruby; great-grandchildren Quinn, Roen and Maxine; along with thirteen nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Arnold, Berdeen and Harlan.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com