Daniel Paul Olson

Wasilla resident Daniel Paul Olson, 65, died peacefully and in his sleep at his gold mine in Eureka on July 29, 2011.

Visitation for family and friends was Aug. 3, at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave., Wasilla. Funeral services were Aug. 4 at Church on the Rock and burial followed at Wasilla-Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla.

He was born Dec. 24, 1945, in Hancock, Mich., to Edward and Elsie (Suomala) Olson. He graduated from Chassell High School in 1964.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Allouiz, and their 13 children. They are sons, Alan Olson and his wife Lorinda, Derek Olson and his wife Anne of Washington, Jeffrey, Jesse and Shane Olson of Wasilla; daughters, Jennifer Matson and her husband Wayne, Jacquelyn Olson and her partner Mike Wellman Sr., Diana, Lynn and Shannon Olson, Natalie Goddard and her husband Rodney of Wasilla, Julia Norby and her husband Scott, Starr Richards and her husband Clinton of South Carolina; 11 grandsons; 18 granddaughters; one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter.

Dan had a great passion for Alaska. Prior to moving to Alaska, Dan lived in Yacolt, Wash., and also lived in Michigan and New Hampshire. He drove the Alaska Highway by himself in 1977 to seek work. He worked for many years in the construction trade from Nome to the Southeast. He worked with his children in a successful family owned business, Alaska Professional Construction Inc. of Wasilla. He loved fishing — especially the salmon derby in Homer — each spring with his wife and kids.

His family wrote that Dan “had a way about him where his children always wanted to be a part of his plans. They loved their father and loved doing things with him. Dan was a man who certainly lived by his principles and values who believed right was right and wrong was wrong and there was no middle ground. He was an encourager to everyone and was the pillar of his family. Dan was friendly to all, had a big smile and could tell stories. His ultimate dream was to mine gold and God granted him that wish this summer. He loved the serenity of the mountains and the beauty of the flowers; but above all he loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his Savior. We will miss you, Dad, so much!”

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla cared for the family.