Paul was born in Sioux City, Iowa on December 31st, 1936 to parents Olaf and Edith (Hammerstrom) Olofson. Growing up in Geddes, South Dakota, Paul attended a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade before graduating from Geddes High School in 1954. Serving six years in the Army National Guard, Paul was honorably discharged in 1965 after serving as the First Chef. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Joyce Bult, before marrying on June 29th, 1962. The two went on to have three beautiful children and six grandchildren. Paul and Joyce celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage in 2012 before Joyce’s passing in 2013. After a variety of distinct career fields, Paul joined the Electrical Union, working for 50 years as a master electrician. He joined Citibank as a hard working and committed employee for 21 years before retiring in January of 2002. All the while, Paul and Joyce called a farm close to Garretson home since 1969. The two of them enjoyed gardening, raising hogs, and crop farming.
Moving to Sioux Falls in 2015, Paul enjoyed outings with the Senior Singles Group every weekend. It was through dancing at the VFW that he met his loving friend Marilyn, among other dear friends.
Among his favorite hobbies include baking for his friends and family (Angel food cake especially during birthdays), gardening, managing the family-owned farm, taking Sunday driving adventures, and always carrying his white coffee thermos with him wherever he went. He always stayed true to himself and his independent outlook to life; a social man who always made people feel included and would say hello to anyone he met. He will be dearly missed by every soul he’s graced.
He’s survived by his children Steve (Laura) Olofson, Lonsdale, MN; Leon (Michelle) Olofson of Garretson, SD; Karen Olofson and Gary Weeden of Sioux Falls, SD. Six grandchildren: Colten Olofson, Jared Olofson, Sydney Olofson, Hayden Olofson, Allison Weeden, and Easton Weeden. His sister Carol Harris of Tuscumsbia, AL; a loving friend Marilyn Steadman; special friends Irvin Schreurs, Gary Weeden, and Becky Nelson, along with many other extended family members, neighbors, and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents Olaf and Edith, and his half- sister Arla Green.
