By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
After 22 years helping guide the City of Egan, Jerome Olson has retired from the City Council.
Olson was honored during last week’s council meeting with an executive proclamation from Gov. Larry Rhoden declaring July 15, 2026, “Jerome C. Olson Day” in South Dakota.
The proclamation looked back on Olson’s connection to Egan, which began in 1961 when he arrived as a young man after attending country school and Trent High School.
Earlier this year, the Moody County Enterprise visited with Olson as he weighed whether to seek another term or retire. At the time, he reflected on a life spent doing business and serving the community.
His parents purchased the old Egan Bar shortly after the family arrived in town. Family circumstances soon put Olson behind the counter and eventually led him to take over the business.
Jerome and his wife, Diane, purchased the bar in 1974 and operated it together until 1988. The proclamation described the bar as a central gathering place where friendships formed, stories were shared and much of Egan’s social life took place.
Olson’s service extended far beyond the business. In addition to his 22 years on the Egan City Council, he served with the Egan Fire Department, spent time as fire chief, helped lead the Moody County Fire Chiefs Association and served on statewide municipal committees and commissions.
Olson said the fire department was especially important to him. Through the county fire chiefs association, local departments were able to secure grants and equipment they otherwise could not have afforded.
Asked why he continued serving for so many years, “You know, the town is smaller, population-wise,” he said.
“Just not that many people would get involved.”
Olson was inducted into the South Dakota Municipal League Hall of Fame last fall. The governor’s proclamation described the honor as recognition of “a lifetime of steady, practical leadership” devoted to improving his hometown.
His son, Russ Olson, said his father represents a generation that believed strongly in public service.
“I still remember when I was a kid, him leaving to go fight fires in the night,” Russ said.
Olson said he is proud of what he helped accomplish and leaves with “no regrets.”
Now 82, he plans to focus on recovering from a heart attack and continuing therapy three times a week.
As for what he will do with his free time?
“Just what I’ve been doing for the last couple months,” Olson said with a smile.
“Nothing.”