Paul S. Olson

Paul Stephen Olson, 73, passed away on September 28, 2023 at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines, IA after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Paul was born in West Allis, WI on February 8, 1950, the son of Bertram and Lewene (Amundson) Olson. He graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1968, from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree specializing in Industrial Relations in June 1972, and from Manpower Business Training Institute (MBTI) with an Associate Degree in Data Processing in November 1982.

In 1985, Paul moved to Iowa where he met and married Suzanne DeVries Howard on June 6, 1987. Paul was a very loving and caring step-father to Sue’s daughters, Jamie and Lorissa Howard.

Paul worked various jobs in the recruitment and placement of Data Processing Professions including General Manager from June 1991 to November 1998 for Staff Associates/Staff Temps in Des Moines, IA.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family. He loved to play golf especially with his best friend, Dave Lewis. Paul was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and also enjoyed watching college and pro football games. Paul and Sue spent many holidays displaying their Dept. 56 villages. He also enjoyed gardening, traveling, antiques, classic cars, and playing card and board games. Paul also cross-stitched many beautiful pieces.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne of 36 years; his daughter, Jamie (Aina) Howard Andrianotahina and grandsons, Donovan and Dom Andrianotahina; his daughter, Lorissa Sheeks and granddaughters, Abbie and Anna Sheeks; his brother, Robert (Jane) Olson; nieces, Kristin (Ryan) Elderding and Amy Olson; nephews, Tom (Leah) Carter and Ben (Stacey) Carter; brothers-in-law, Jim (Judy) DeVries, Joe (Rita) DeVries, Jay (Charlotte) DeVries and Jon DeVries; many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ann; brother-in-law, Logan Carter; and parents-in-law, James and Connie DeVries.

Paul was a stubborn Norwegian with “true grit”. He also learned to become a good Dutchman and we loved him dearly.

Paul was a member of Westkirk Presbyterian Church in Urbandale. He enjoyed being a member and singing in the church choir for many years.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Westkirk Presbyterian Church, 2700 Colby Woods Dr. in Urbandale, IA with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link at the end of the obituary and accessible on the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Westkirk Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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