Allen Hjalmar Olson

Allen Hjalmar Olson died in his Sioux Falls apartment at the age of 75.  He was born in May of 1947 in Sioux Falls to Nadine and Hjalmar Olson of Salem, South Dakota.  Originally a member of the Salem Lutheran Congregation at Center, he later became a member of St. Mary Church in Sioux Falls.

His life revolved around sports, having worked with the athletic departments of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the University of South Dakota, and providing event security at the Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls Schools, and Huset’s Speedway.  He would often report having provided security for famous dignitaries and athletes, among his many interesting personal accounts.

Allen was a fixture in the world of South Dakota Baseball.  He started umpiring baseball games at the age of 15 and would go on to umpire for nearly 60 years.  He was recently inducted into the South Dakota Baseball Umpires Hall of Fame.  More than anything, Allen enjoyed being with people, always looked forward to going to work, and people knew him everywhere he went.

He is survived by his older sister Ardella, of Denver Colorado; and three nephews: Fred of McKinney, Texas; Mike and Sami of Denver, Colorado.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 5-7 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 330 Idaho St, SALEM.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 5th at 1 PM at the St. Mary Catholic Church, 2109 S 5^th Ave, SIOUX FALLS, followed by a celebration of life from 2-4 PM.  A private family burial will be held.  Allen had specifically requested that guests wear their favorite South Dakota or other baseball attire (jerseys, umpire shirts, etc.).   www.kinzleyfh.com