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Sharon Laprath Olson born November 1, 1951 in Burke, SD died Tuesday, August 8th peacefully at her home in Vermillion. She fiercely fought cancer for two and a half years and was blessed to be surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.
Sharon and two sisters, Julie and Vicki, were born to Roy and Inez Laprath in Gregory, SD where she held several accolades including Aqua Princess ’67, Queen of Dimes ’69 and Gregory High School Homecoming Queen ’69. After performing throughout Europe in an International Cultural Exchange Concert Band, she came to Vermillion to attend the University of South Dakota where she attained her B.A. in psychology with a minor in Spanish as well as a husband, Thomas Olson. Thomas and Sharon planted firm roots in Vermillion where they raised five beautiful children. She was the devoted wife and mother to her family, always going to great lengths to makes sure that her children were her priority. Sharon was an accomplished percussionist whose favorite songs to play were rock and roll tunes with her regionally known band, The Neon Rainbow. She also managed her husband’s medical practice, The Olson Medical Clinic.
Sharon is preceded in death by her father, Roy Laprath and sister, Julie Nebola (Edward). She is survived by her husband, Thomas H. Olson, M.D.; her mother, Inez Laprath; her sister, Vicki Tanner (Dan); and her children James Olson (Jennifer), Drake Olson (Colleen), Weston Olson, Tressa Senne (S. Anthony), and Kristin Olson. Sharon is the proud “pink grandma” to nine beautiful grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 4pm on Sunday, August 13th at the United Church of Christ at 226 E. Main Street in Vermillion, SD.