Arvid Oliver

Arvid Oliver, 90, passed away on July 11, 2024. He was born on July 19, 1933, to Alfred and Etta Mae (Blake) Oliver in Mason City, Iowa.

Arvid graduated from Mason City High School. At the age of 19 Arvid married his first wife, Marion Burlette Brones. Together they birthed their daughter, Nancy Jayne on April 4, 1953, and divorced in 1955. Arvid joined the army on August 31, 1955, where he served in Alaska as an Alaskan radio operator and was discharged on July 31, 1957. Arvid attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1961. Arvid married his second wife, Mary, on August 17, 1958, and birthed their first son, Steven John in 1961. Together they welcomed two additional children, Douglas Alfred in 1963 and Amy Diane in 1965. Arvid graduated from law school at the University of Drake in 1970. He was employed at the Oliver Law Firm from 1970 to 1997. Arvid was involved in the Ankeny Area Democrats where he was very politically active. He was an active member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Ankeny, Iowa.

Arvid was very proud of his Italian heritage and visited Italy on numerous occasions. Arvid also dedicated a lot of his time helping the community, especially for those in need. For several years, Arvid cooked and delivered 24 lunch meals for the Iowa Homeless Youth Center youth every Monday. Arvid, his wife, Mary, and their daughter Amy were the founders of The Greater Des Moines Diaper Collective which helped supply 70,000 wipes and 125,000 diapers to children in need.

Arvid is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Oliver; daughters, Nancy Nicholaisen and Amy Oliver-Peters; son, Doug (Susan) Oliver; grandchildren, Amy Jane Nicholaisen, Chris Nicholaisen, Virginia Nicholaisen, Ryan Oliver, Katie/Kai Oliver, Arabella Oliver-Peters, Lakota Oliver-Peters, Ashley Wilson (Brandon); great-grandchildren, Deja Wilson, Addison Wilson, Johnny Amber Cramer; and numerous hosts of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Etta Mae (Blake); son, Steven Oliver; and granddaughter, Amber Adair Oliver; and siblings, Bob Oliver and Fred Oliver Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 18 at 3 p.m. at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 2110 W. 1st St., Ankeny.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Greater Des Moines Diaper Collective in memory of Arvid Oliver.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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