Rodney R. Olson

Rodney R Olson passed away with peace and grace at his home the morning of March 19th, 2016, less than a month before his 98th birthday. He was born to Richard and Ida Johnson Olson in Atwater, Minnesota, on April 13th, 1918.

Rod was an Eagle Scout and a World War II veteran who served in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was an active member of the community and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Rod ushered at church and attended his “Stumble-Stoppers” exercise class each and every week until very recently. He was a life member of the Masons and the Elks, and also belonged to Scottish Rite, Shrine and Eastern Star. In the past he tutored children at Madison and Peter G. Schmidt Elementary Schools.

Shortly after joining the U.S. Army in 1942, he married Cleone Housman of Litchfield, MN. He was discharged at Fort Lewis and they set up housekeeping in Centralia. It was there that Rodney started his career with the State Employment Security Dept. They also lived in Raymond and Vancouver before finally settling in Olympia. They had three children before Cleone passed away in 1970. In 1972, his marriage to Peggy Reser ended in divorce. Rod was married to Karen Morris in 1993 until she passed in 2014.

He will be lovingly remembered by his son Ronn (Missy) Olson, daughters Sherry (Lake) Stintzi and Janet (Allen) Davis, grandchildren Cindy, Reid, Jee, Lane, Audrie, Charles and Adam, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and some great friends. Rodney was predeceased by his parents Ida and Richard, brother Russell and wives Cleone and Karen.

We want to thank Providence Hospice, and particularly D’Arcy and Sean, for the loving care they provided Dad during his last few months.

Dad’s final wish was for us to “love the Lord and each other.”

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Remembrances in his name can be given to Providence Hospice, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd or the charity of your choice.