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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Jill Salonga
Stephen's Child
Stephen "Oly" Olson
October 12th, 1946 - September 18th, 2025
October 12th, 1946 - September 18th, 2025
A life well lived is a series of moments, strung together with love and laughter.” — Unknown
Stephen Donald Olson (Oly) passed away in his home on September 18, 2025 in Reno, NV. He was 78 years old.
Stephen was born in Waukegan, Illinois on October 12, 1946 to Helen and Rudolph Olson. He later attended Western Illinois University, where he met Jeannie Mychko, who would become his wife. They married in 1969. After graduating college and serving in the Army, he and Jeannie moved to Reno, NV, where they built their own home and raised a family. When coming to Reno in 1972, “Oly” was employed by Barlow Construction and went on to work for Southwest Builders. He later ventured out on his own to create High Country Construction.
Stephen was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, role model and friend. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, work hard and resourcefully solve any problem thrown his way. He looked forward to annual hunting trips with his dear friends. He also enjoyed shooting, skiing, riding motorcycles, improving his beautiful home, visiting estate sales and spending time with his family. He was a well-respected craftsman who built a reputation for quality, honest construction work and remodels around the Reno area over the last 30 years.
He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 55 years, Jeannie Olson, daughters Holly Madole (Jeremy), Jill Salonga (Joseph), four grandchildren, Wyatt Madole, Garrett Madole, Jackson Salonga and Josie Salonga, nephews Jeff Courson and Chris Courson, and niece Lynn Courson. He is preceded in death by his parents Helen and Rudolph Olson, his brother Rudy Olson and his sister Marilyn Courson.
His good humor, smile, quiet strength and his calm, loving presence will be missed by all who knew him. He was loved dearly by so many.
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Tributes
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Bruce Wick
We didn’t know that Ole had passed away until Seppl told us last night. Ole/ Steve was one of the best things about this neighborhood and we will miss him terribly. He was always upbeat, helpful and kind. When I was recovering from back surgery and our mailbox fell down and propped against a tree. Ole stopped, said he could fix it. And Ole did an even better job than the original. He was the kind of friend that we always strived to be. The last time I saw Ole, he was consoling me about the death of our daughter Marcie - not a word spoken about his own troubles. We offer our sincere condolences to Jeannie and the entire family.
Jay fleming
Roland hampson, Oly, Chris hampson, and jay Fleming. Antelope mountain in nevada.
Jay fleming
Oly and Roland hampson antelope mountain Nv.
Jerry Lowery
I met OLY while doing his plumbing at D&D Plumbing. I worked hand and hand with OLY on some challenging remodels. The remodels were always Sunset Magazine quality. Every customer was always elated with the job…. Except the last one and I think this is when OLY threw in the towel. The owners expected OLY to install the appliances in the kitchen which he had excluded in his contract. The refrigerator was so large it wouldn’t fit around the cabinet island. A bridge had to be erected over the island to allow the refrigerator to be put in place. Not sure if he was ever paid for the extras that went into the job. Even in the face of this adversity he didn’t have harsh words for the owners. I felt bad because I had recommended OLY for the job, I told the owners he was the most honest GC I knew. Pat and have had OLY do two remodels for us. During these remodels it became obvious OLY was more than a business associate. I can say we became friends. I talked OLY into helping with our kitchen remodel after he retired, the result suited us perfect. OLY knew how to start the job and could see the finish product before we started. I learned so much from OLY, through these remodels, but I’ll never be able to match his level of craftsmanship. He always had a smile, laughed and had a good time while working. OLY will be missed as a friend in our house. Jeannie and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeannie you know my phone number and we are around the corner from you so do not hesitate to call when you need help.
Dale Lowery
+4
I probably met Oly some 25 years ago. At first we started doing all his plumbing work for his company, High Country Construction. Oly was a true craftsman. I've been in construction some 50 years and never seen any carpenter with the talent Oly had. He took pride completing something and could build almost anything. We had a lot in common and that was doing home projects and both of us expanding and remodeling of our own houses. We decided that we would trade weekend work as we needed. We spent a lot of weekends together doing projects; his house then mine. I have included in my photos a gazebo we built in my back yard together. I had no idea how to start, but Oly had it figured out. Now I will always think of Oly when I sit in that gazabo. I will remember and never forget the fun and comradery we had doing projects together, We later started hunting together with Chip Porter. We would put in for deer party tags, and we shot several deer on those trips over the years, Some years we got skunked or didn't take a small deer, but it was just the fun of getting out and hunting together. I had a travel trailer, and Oly would stay with me. He said he had only tent camped before, I remember him saying, "man this is living in luxury". He got used to waking up warm, cooking on a gas stove, and not having to go and find a bush. We both had college teaching degrees but both wound up in construction. We liked to build things, and did so many things helping each other. Oly had a great since of humor and a laugh and grin I'll never forget. He was easy going, and I don't think I ever heard a cross word from him. Oly was a true friend and I will truly miss him.
Brenda Kibbe
Jeannie, Jill, Holly and family I am so very sorry for your loss. I just heard about this today from the the old Lenz crew. I feel like I know Stephen, through talks with Jeannie at school, for the past 20+years and also met him a few times. She loved him with all her heart, he was her everything! What a wonderful husband, father and friend to so many. Hugs and love, I know your hearts are broken in a million pieces💔💕🙏
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