Olson, Donald L. Another WWII 10th Mountain Division veteran has gone to join his Ski Troop buddies who've blazed that trail before him. Donald L. Olson, New Brighton, MN, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, at his home at age 90. Don was preceded in death by parents, grandparents, relatives and close friends. Don attended Edison High School, enlisted in the army, and joined Ski Troop training at Camp Hale, Colorado. From there he went to Camp Swift, Texas, for more training. The troops landed in Naples, Italy, and walked and climbed to/up/over mountains. They assaulted surprised Germans on Mt. Belvedere, by attacking at night. Troopers in front of and behind Don were hit. To this day, Don and his wife have kept in touch with Del Riley, the soldier in front of Don. The men in his squad became very close and remained friends all these years. George Nelson, also in the same squad, went on to develop Lutsen Ski Area. Don and Alice drove up almost every fall to enjoy the area with George and his wife Patti. After the war, Don studied Civil Engineering at the U of MN. Needing a class in design, he enrolled at the Mpls. College of Art and Design in an Industrial arts program. That is where he met Alice, who was in a Commercial art course. They became friends, sharing many interests. They were married in 1956 and had a son Eric in 1962. Don was a hunter, loading his own rifle and shotgun shells and making his own arrows. Don trained 4 hunting dogs. For years he was active in the MN Springer Spaniel Field Trial Club and did well with his Springer. Don and Alice enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Kabetogama. That's how Eric developed interest in the art of catching walleyes. Don was a civil engineer for the city of Mpls. for 33 years. After retirement, he was a Realtor for a number of years. Don was president of the North Central Chapter of the 10th Mtn Div Assn from 1989 to 1992. Don had promised one day that the family would take up skiing. When Eric was about 7 and showing an interest in skiing they started their Saturday ski days at Trollhaugen Ski Area in WI. Alice took lessons from a ski instructor/cousin and Eric became a member of Blizzard Ski School. A number of years later, they explored becoming Ski Patrollers and trained and skied at Wild Mountain. Passing all the tests, they began patrolling in 1980. The family would like to give heartfelt thank you's to the wonderful Palliative and Hospice care nurses and attendants for the tender care given to Don. Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Chapel, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd. NE, Mpls. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with service at 11:00. Short military service at Fort Snelling following. Memorials may be sent to the 10th Mtn Div Foundation, Inc., at 133 S. Van Gordon St., Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80228. SUNSET 612-789-3596 SunsetFuneralServices.com