Messenger photo by Britt Kudla 'Dodger' Denny Olson greets the Fort Dodge softball team after a game at Rogers Park earlier this summer.

Dennis Olson, affectionately known as “Dodger Denny” to Fort Dodge fans everywhere, died on Monday morning at the age of 65.

An unconditional supporter of both FDSH and Iowa State University athletics for decades, Olson’s loyalty and passion were remembered by Dodgers from all across the country as word spread via social media.

“He was the quintessential Dodger fan,” said Fort Dodge softball coach Andi Adams, who is preparing her team for their state quarterfinal matchup against Cedar Rapids Jefferson. “No one loved all (FDSH) programs more than Denny. He was just a true Dodger every day of his life.”

Adams said her squad will wear “DD” stickers on their helmets Tuesday night. The players recently made a get-well video for Olson, who had been in the hospital and couldn’t attend their postseason games. They will also set his chair up just outside of their dugout at the spot where he usually settled in.

On Sunday, during their state pep rally and shirt signing, Olson was recognized by Adams and her program.

“He loved being there for us, and was frustrated that he wasn’t able to make it (to the recent games),” Adams said. “But that’s how he was for all Dodger teams and athletes. Wearing the sticker and playing hard in remembrance of him is the least we can do. His spirit will be with us.”

Olson’s son, Bryan, posted on Facebook: “it’s with an extremely heavy heart I convey this news. After some complications from a prior issue, my father has passed away. We thank you for all the prayers and good wishes. His love for Fort Dodge was unrivaled by anyone. His life was Fort Dodge Senior High. He leaves a large imprint behind for us to try and fill.”

Tributes poured in on Monday evening.

Keith Murphy, sports director at WHO-TV, said on Twitter about FDSH wearing tribute stickers, “appreciate this thoughtful gesture by the Dodgers, and so sorry to learn of the loss of Dodger Denny. He called SoundOff for many years, and always had an optimism for his Dodgers and Cyclones. A fan who saw no upside in being pessimistic.

“RIP Dodger Denny.”

Rachel (Thompson) Maehl, a former Dodger athlete, posted on Facebook, “sending prayers to his family. He was a Dodger athletic tradition all on his own. We will miss seeing him and hearing him cheer at the games.”

Morgan (Paulson) Lehmann, an ex-FDSH all-stater, called him “the heartbeat of the Dodgers” on Twitter.

Fort Dodge’s student section Twitter account posted that Olson was a “true legend within the community. He knew what being a Dodger was all about and will surely be missed.”

Jim Reed said on Facebook, “an ardent, loyal Dodger to his core! Denny will be remembered by generations of FDSH athletes. His memory will live on at Dodger athletic events!”

Charles Clayton posted, “no bigger Dodger fan ever! Great man! Prayers with the family.”

Kirk Hardcastle added, “you know you are big time when you can go by just one name.”

“Mention ‘Denny’ around any Dodger fan in the last several decades, and they know exactly who you are talking about,” Hardcastle said. “I can still vividly remember him in the front row, leading the cheers when we were making our runs to state basketball in 1986 and ’87. He will definitely be missed.”

Nick Page, another FDSH grad, labeled Olson “one of the all-time great Dodgers.”

“The school should strongly consider placing an emblem of some sort on the front row bleachers at the Dodger Fieldhouse and Dodger Stadium in honor of the biggest Dodger fan EVER. RIP Dodger Denny.”

Olson, who was employed by the Fort Dodge Commuinty School District for over 20 years, is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Bryan and Adam; and daughter, Laura. He turned 65 just last month.

Visitation and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by the family. Bryan posted that friends and family are encouraged to wear Dodger clothes to the funeral and bring water, sodas or sports drinks to drop off in a truck for donation to the FDSH athletic teams.