R. George Olsen

Robert George Olsen, 85, of Johns Creek, Georgia peacefully passed away in his sleep on July 1, 2018 at his earthly home, reuniting with his beloved wife Jo Ann who left this earth on July 19, 2017. George lived bravely and graciously with Parkinson’s disease for more than the last seven years – he fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

George was born in Audubon, Iowa to George and Frances Olsen on October 15, 1932. As their only child, George was raised in Atlantic, Iowa where he met his future cherished wife of 64 years, Jo Ann Williams. At an early age George gained an appreciation for work and an interest in people through his part-time jobs. He maintained a paper route and worked in Olsen’s Grocery. In high school, George excelled at basketball and football.

George earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce at the University of Iowa in 1954. At Iowa, George dated Jo Ann for three years, completed the Army ROTC program, participated as an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and enjoyed his part-time work at the Iowa Book Store. George and Jo Ann were married in 1953 and remained in Iowa City until his graduation a year later. He remained a loyal and passionate Hawkeye fan!

After finishing his service as a First Lieutenant in the Army Infantry, George became a salesman then regional director of a lady’s apparel company over a span of more than 20 years. For the remaining 20 years of his work life, George served his clients well as a stockbroker and financial advisor, ending his career in 2004 with Robert W. Baird & Co.

George and Jo Ann raised their three sons Scott, Steve and Spencer in Northern Michigan. In 1982, they relocated their home to the golf course community Horseshoe Bend in Roswell, Georgia, where George enjoyed playing golf with close friends.

In addition to his love of God and family, one of his other interests and joys in life was interacting with and serving people. George never met a stranger. He served as an officer, elder, and board member on a number of charitable organizations, including the church and homeless ministries. George expressed his love of giving and heart for stewardship by blessing many ministries, and supporting missionary work. He volunteered for years with Jo Ann at Atlanta soup kitchens, and was an active in their church, the Fellowship Bible Church of Roswell.

George considered Jo Ann “one of a kind” and the love of his life. They were best friends. Together they enjoyed the sporting activities of their sons and grandchildren, relished friendships that lasted decades, and traveled the world visiting friends, family and the places that fascinated them. Their favorites included Denmark, Israel, Alaska, the Carolinas, and Wyoming.

As a father, grand-father, and great-grandfather George was greatly loved and admired. His legacy of love and generosity will be lived through the lives of the surviving members of his family - Scott and Susie, and his children Alison and Jacob; Steve and wife Mary Jo, and their children Kirsten (and husband Kunal), twins Erik and Annika (and husband Jonathan), and Anders; Spencer and wife Marie Louise, and his children Amy Anne (and husband Kirby) and Paige; and great-grand daughter Adeleigh and great-grand son Everett, children of Kirsten and Kunal.

George will be greatly missed, but we rejoice because he is now in his eternal heavenly home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and with his precious Jo Ann.