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Rodney Olsen Missing Person Case

Last seen in Mason City, Iowa on Oct 18, 1986

Victim Details

Apr 12, 2011

Oct 27, 2022

Rodney

Olsen

72

32

72 inches

210 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Oct 18, 1986

Mason City

Iowa

Cerro Gordo County

30981

Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office

Mason City

Iowa

Cerro Gordo County

50401

Kevin Pals

Sheriff

17262 Lark Avenue, Iowa

6414213000

County

Law Enforcement

862302619

Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 4, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP10207) and 14 other sources
Rodney John Olsen, a 32-year-old farmer from Mason City, Iowa, went missing on October 18, 1986. Olsen lived on an 800-acre grain farm northeast of Mason City with his girlfriend, having recently moved there from Britt, Iowa. He maintained contact with his ex-wife and son, who continued to live in Britt, often traveling to visit them. On the night of his disappearance, Olsen left his home around 1 a.m., stating that he would be back in an hour. However, he was never seen again.

Several months after Olsen went missing, his black 1978 Pontiac Sunbird was discovered abandoned in a trailer park in Forest City, Iowa. There were no indications of foul play or evidence at the scene to suggest what might have happened to him. Despite thorough investigations and the passage of decades, no significant leads have emerged, and Olsen’s case remains unsolved. His family, including his father, Myrlen Olsen, continued to hold onto hope for answers for many years, keeping in touch with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office.

Olsen’s case is classified as endangered due to the mysterious circumstances of his disappearance, but despite extensive investigations, it remains a cold case, leaving many questions unanswered about his fate.
Last Seen: Oct 18, 1986

Links to Additional Sources (14)

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  • Rodney John Olsen | Iowa Cold Cases
  • RODNEY JOHN OLSEN - Iowa Missing Person
  • Rodney John Olsen - The Charley Project
  • 120DMIA - Rodney John Olsen - Doe Network
  • Iowa Department of Public Safety launches update to missing ... - KIMT
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Cerro Gordo Co. ~ Cold Case of Rodney John Olsen
  • Cold Cases in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
  • Finding the lost, naming the unnamed - Globe Gazette
  • Missed Moments | Iowa Cold Cases
  • Rodney Olsen had a farm northeast of Mason City, Iowa. On October ...
  • IA - Rodney Olsen, 32, Farmer from Mason City, Oct 1986 | Websleuths
  • Rodney John Olsen : r/NotForgotten - Reddit
  • Rodney John Olsen - Missing In Iowa

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP124443 • Found Sep 6, 1989
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 32 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 45%297 mi away
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 6'0"
    Weight 100%227 lb vs 210 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 60%Hazel vs Brown

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Latest News

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    Forum Posts (3)

    Something I find really puzzling about Rodney Olsen’s disappearance is the location where his car... ...Read More
    09/27/2024
    I’ve been going through some older cases and stumbled across Rodney John Olsen’s disappearance. One... ...Read More
    04/24/2024
    Has anyone else looked into the trailer park in Forest City where Rodney Olsen's car was found? It's... ...Read More
    05/21/2023

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