Kermit M. Olson, 86, formerly of Austin, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nev.

He was born April 14, 1916, to Ludwig and Henrietta (Friestad) Olson in Calmar, Iowa. The family later moved to Austin, where he attended and graduated from Austin High School in 1934. In 1939 he married Deolyn Berg in Iowa. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad from 1946 to 1976. He was a very accomplished musician, starting his musical career in the 1930s.

He played the drums for the Austin Municipal Marching Band, Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Eagle Drum and Bugle Corps. He played the piano with the Dixielander Dance Band, Henry Charles Dance Band and the Skipper Berg Viking Accordion Band. Survivors include son Gary Olson, San Leandro, Calif.; daughters Tamara Turvold, Albert Lea, Karen Sullivan, Las Vegas, Nev.; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson Duane Turvold, brother Harlan, sister Leola Corrigan and niece Jackie Hilmer. Service: 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, at The Plaza Regency, 6021 W. Cheyenne, Las Vegas, Nev.