Bud Olson

Bud Charles Olson (July 29, 1921- November 2, 2024)

Bud Charles Olson, born August Silvio Sciuchetti in Sand Coulee, Montana to Adelia and August Sciuchetti on July 29, 1921, led a life marked by resilience, service and dedication. Mother Adelia died in 1923 shortly after giving birth to an infant son, Lewis, who also died, leaving sister Ann and Bud in the care of foster parents while their father worked to support them. Bud graduated from Centerville High School and worked on his foster parents' (Charles and Mary Olson) ranch west of Sand Coulee until entering the army in 1942. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 325 Glider Infantry Squadron and participated in the D Day Invasion of France. He was the sole survivor of a glider crash on June 7, 1944 near Utah Beach, campaigning through France, Holland, Belgium and into Berlin as the war was ending. He earned a Purple heart and Bronze Star for his action in Europe.

After discharge in 1945 he officially changed his name to Bud Charles Olson and returned home to marry his sweetheart Violet Vivian Moore and work with foster father Charles Olson of Sand Coulee. In 1948 the couple purchased land west of Choteau along the Teton River. They raised Hereford cattle for most of their 63 years on the ranch, along with son Gary and daughter Judy. Bud served three terms as Teton County Commissioner and was also Water Commissioner for the upper Teton River for 37 years. A 60-year member of the Choteau American Legion, and longtime parishioner of the Choteau Methodist Church, Bud fostered many lasting relationships in the community (affectionately known as the River Rats). Bud and Vi moved into Choteau to more comfortable surroundings in 2011. After Vi's passing in 2013, Bud resided at Skyline Lodge in Choteau, Front Range Extended Care in Fairfield, and finally Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau, passing peacefully on November 2, 2024 at the Peace Hospice Home in Great Falls.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Violet; birth parents, August and Adelia Sciuchetti; foster parents, Charles and Mary Olson; a sister, Ann Johnson; infant brother, Lewis; and son-in-law, Brad Stewart.

Bud is survived by son, Gary (Kathy) Olson of Great Falls; daughter, Judy Stewart of Billings; grandchildren, Jeff Olson of Great Falls, Jim (Annie) Olson of Choteau, Tyler Stewart (Jessica) of Billings and Tucker (Kendra) Stewart of Draper, Utah; great grandchildren include, Ella Olson, Trevor Olson and Willow Stewart as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Bud's immediate family, Clay Crawford was a faithful friend over the past several years taking Bud on frequent drives and playing cribbage.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Stage Stop Inn. Interment will be at the Choteau Cemetery in a private family ceremony at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Choteau United Methodist Church or Teton Medical Center Foundation In lieu of flowers. Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com.