Dennis Ray Olsen

 Dennis Ray Olsen, 74, of Meckling, SD passed away on Friday, July 12 at his auto body shop in Meckling.

 Denny was born November 1, 1949, in Avon, SD to Herbert and Wilma (Gibson) Olsen. He graduated from Avon high school in 1968. After graduation, he attended USD Springfield where he specialized in Auto Body Repair. He served in the Army National Guard from 1969 – 1980. He married Monica Guthmiller on March 14, 1970 and from this marriage they had two children, Denise and Chadwick.

 After college, Denny worked for Mart Auto Body in Vermillion and Olson Auto Body in Gayville. In the spring of 1978 Denny purchased the old Meckling school house where he opened Denny’s Auto Body with the help of his good friend Jack Martinson. He built a new shop by the old schoolhouse in 1989 where he operated his business working on the community’s vehicles and selling cars until his passing. 

 Denny was a hard-working man who had a love of his body shop and of vehicles. Having many muscle cars and pickup trucks throughout the years but, the Pontiac GTO had a special place in his heart. He was always willing to share a cold beverage at the body shop with anyone willing to stop by for a conversation. In the last couple of years, he grew to especially enjoy time with his grandchildren and attending their various activities. 

 Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Denise (Chad) Peterson of Vermillion, SD, Chadwick (Amy) Olsen of Sioux Falls, SD, grandchildren, Connor and Jenna, sister Diane (Jerry) Bastemeyer of Sioux Falls, SD, nieces Angela (Terry) O’Neill of Clark, SD and Amber (Rob) Lindner of Sioux Falls, SD. 

 The funeral service will be 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion, with the visitation starting at 10am all at the church. A private family burial will be at a later date. Hansenfuneralhome.com.