Carl Arvid Olson

Carl Arvid Olson was born on February 24, 1926 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Olaf Arvid Olson & Lydia Marie (Schultz) Olson. He had an older sister, Elsa Neumon. As a child he loved to hunt and fish with his father and best friend, Dave Grammer. Carl and Dave also spent summers as ranch hands in Wyoming.

Carl graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1943. After high school, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1943. He served as an Ensign in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was awarded the Officer’s Commission from Notre Dame. He also earned medals – American Area, Victory WWII & Asiatic Pacific Area. After the war he returned to Albuquerque and attended the University of New Mexico and earned his degree in Civil Engineering.

Carl married Frances Franks (Fran) on June 11, 1954. They raised three children together, Keith, Linda & Karen. He worked for Robert McKee Engineering and was with this firm for his entire professional career of 30 years. While living in Las Vegas, Nevada, he was an Operations Manager at the National Test site. Carl managed and completed many projects, including several Dallas landmark buildings.

Carl enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. While living in Las Vegas, he frequently took the family camping or just for a picnic in the mountains or desert. Due to his love of nature, he would take his children fishing or have them help out in the garden. In 1970 he moved his family to Irving, Texas; this was the only move the family made. Carl enjoyed travel and took several trips with family and friends. He was a wonderful husband to Fran, and great role-model to his children. No matter what the situation he was always positive and supportive.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Carl Arvid Olson was called Home. He was greeted in Heaven by his wife of 40 years, Fran; his parents Olaf & Lydia Olson; and his sister, Elsa Neumon.

His life and legacy will continue to be honored and remembered by his children: Linda Grochowski & her husband, Ed Grochowski of Burns, TN, Karen Olson of McKinney, TX, Keith Olson & his wife Rhonda of Highland Village, TX; his grandchildren: Rachael Grochowski of Murfreesboro, TN & Andrea Grochowski of Nashville, TN, Benjamin Homer of McKinney, TX, Christopher Olson & his wife Kathryn of Argyle, TX, Alexander Olson of Highland Village, TX; and other relatives and close friends. He will be missed dearly.

The family would like to acknowledge the Stonemere Rehabilitation Center in Frisco, TX for taking care of our Carl.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org