John C. Olson

John Carl Olson went home to be with the Lord. He passed peacefully at home in Mitchellville, Iowa, on August 17, 2023, at 85 years young.

John is survived by his wife Carrie “Jean” Olson, daughter Dana Olson and son David Olson (Lisa) and stepson Ed Hamilton (Shawn). Grandchildren Anthony Olson, Travis (Keshia) Edvenson, Tara Edvenson, Tyler Edvenson, Nick Olson and Tristan Hamilton. Two great grandchildren, Teagan and Colton Edvenson. His brothers Cliff Olson, Marvin “Jerry” Olson (Helga), Kenneth “Donald” Olson (Kay).

John was born on March 20, 1938, the first day of spring, in Des Moines, Iowa. He spent his high school years in Alma, Wisconsin where he met Rose who was living in Minneapolis. They married on June 4, 1961, starting their years together in Des Moines, together for 46 years, and were blessed with 3 children and one grandson, until Rose's death in 2007.

Working at Gordon's Wholesale as a teamster driving for several years. Moving up the company to be in sales, with a route that took him to several surrounding states. He retired in 2004 after 43 years to Ottertail, Minnesota. He always enjoyed traveling, John and Rose traveled to all 50 states, time in Hawaii and Alaska was a favorite. Spending time in Mexico, Canada, Germany and for his 80th birthday was on a trans-Atlantic cruise touring Italy and the area.

He enjoyed being outside, boating, camping and fishing. He spent many tireless hours coaching little league baseball and being a scout master. But if a football game was on, he enjoyed both Iowa and Iowa State games. He tried to be a fan of the Vikings because of his time living in Minnesota. But was always a Green Bay Packers fan! When he traveled wearing a team sweatshirt or t-shirt, he always got a conversation started with strangers who would quickly become friends.

John married again on October 9, 2010 to Carrie “Jean”. They quickly started traveling and made it to 48 states in their 13 years together. National Parks being a favorite destination.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin Olson and Francis Findlay Olson, John's wife Rosella Olson, and daughter Lisa Olson.

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