Marvin "Marv" L. Olson, 82, of Peoria, who passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018 in Peoria never met a stranger. Family and friends will sorely miss his upbeat personality, engaging sense of humor and contagious smile. His motto (which he shared with many) was to live life with purpose and above all things, to "be productive!"
He was born May 4, 1936 in Galesburg, IL to Lawrence and Ruth (Oberg) Olson and married his college sweetheart, Janice “Jan” Nowlan, on June 18, 1961 in Toulon, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wesley Olson, and Wesley's wife Mary.
He was devoted to his wife of 57 years, Jan, a caring father to three daughters, Kim (Vince) Perdos of Ashburn, VA., Sheri (Bill) Visted of Lewisburg, WV, and Tonya (Eric) Walter of Dallas, TX; a fun-loving grandpa to seven grandchildren, Erik and Jon Visted, Michael and Jillian Perdos, Cole, Cam and Carly Walter; and a loving brother to Evelyn (Bill) Preuninger and Bernice (Garvin “Doc”) Davenport.
While Marv cared more about his relationships than his credentials, it would be remiss not to mention his discipline and drive for higher learning and not one, but two successful careers. He received a B.A. in Physics from Monmouth College, a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, OH, a M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Alaska in Anchorage and a M.S. in Transportation, Civil Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Marv worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 32 years before retiring to the Peoria area and transitioning to his second career as owner and operator of Marv's Construction, having “fun” doing any and all kinds of remodeling and handyman work. Marv was an active member of First Baptist Church in Peoria, where he held various board positions and hammered a nail or two, as needed. He enjoyed travel and all sports but most of all he loved watching the Washington Redskins (back in the day).
A celebration of life will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 13, with visitation one hour prior to the service at First Baptist Church in Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Robert Collins will officiate. A private burial will be held at Lafayette Cemetery in Lafayette, IL. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Homes in Peoria are handling arrangements.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Peoria or the Alzheimer’s Association. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.woolsey-wilton.com
