Olin was born on July 23, 1921 in Yankton, South Dakota to Reverend Ole M. and Clara P. Stensland Odland, the third of five children and was baptized on August 21, 1921. Olin and his family moved to Dell Rapids, South Dakota in 1937 where he attended and graduated from high school in 1939. Olin attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from 1939 to 1944 and graduated with majors in biology and chemistry. Olin was active in the Augustana choir and played on the football team, lettering all four years. In 1983, Olin was inducted into the Augustana Hall of Fame. After graduating from Augustana Olin enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific at the rank of Lieutenant JG and was honorably discharged in 1945.

He married Mavis M. Heeren on July 13, 1945 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota with his father officiating. Olin and Mavis moved to Vermillion, South Dakota to attend medical school. He graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1950. After serving as an intern and resident at Wayne County General Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, Olin and Mavis moved to Brookings, South Dakota to begin a family practice. In 1952 they moved to Granite Falls where they lived until August 1969. Olin practiced in Marshall until he retired in 1989.

Olin was active in several professional and community organizations, including the Kiwanis, American Legion, VFW, American Cancer Society and the Mustang Boosters. He was a member of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians and in 1977 was named president. After his retirement, Olin divided his time between Mesa, Arizona, Marshall, Minnesota and his cabin on Lake Carlos. Among his leisure activities were golf, fishing, singing, dancing, watching and providing commentary on sports and enjoying his family and friends.

Olin died suddenly at the age of 79 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from the effects of a stroke.

He is survived by his children Cindy and Gary Dodge of Apple Valley; Olin Jr. (Mike) and Deb of Alexandria; Tom and Pam of Marshall; Jim and Sonja of Apple Valley; John of St. Paul; grandchildren: Michael Dodge, Maren Dodge and partner Lisa Matusovic, Catie, Elizabeth, Jacob, Paul, Noah, Erin and Emily Odland; great-grandchildren: Khalin and Rhianna Dodge; sister, Eunice Aucutt; brother Paul and Barbara Odland; sister-in-law Mary Odland and special friend Barbara Carlson.

Memorials preferred to Weiner Memorial Hospital Foundation Augustana College or the First Lutheran Church Building A Ministry Fund.

Arrangements were with the Rehkamp Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota.