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BORN
1923
DIED
2020
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Ward Olson Obituary
Ward A. Olson
December 5, 1923-April 16, 2020
Ward A. Olson, a well-known Quad Cities artist, and more importantly a loving husband, father, and Papa passed away peacefully the morning of April 16th, at the Kahl Home in Davenport, Iowa. He was born on December 5th, 1923 to Fred and Marie Olson in Clinton, Iowa, and grew up on several farms near Chadwick, IL. Ward raised his family alongside his "Pink Lady", Beve, in Bettendorf, and blessed many with his artistic talents through the years.
Ward attended the Federic Mizen Academy of Art in Chicago and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. His early career was interrupted by military assignment, but he was fortunate to put his talents to use as artist-in-residence aboard the Navy destroyer Samuel N. Moore. After serving in WW II he secured a job as Art Director for Bawden Brothers Advertising Agency and later Creative Director of Advertising Communication Incorporated (ACI) in Davenport, Iowa. Prior to his retirement in 1986 he had been active in the commercial art field for over 37 years, followed by 36 years of sharing his talents as a free lance artist. He is recognized for his portrait work and collection of nostalgia paintings of the Quad Cities, as well as his versatility in design and illustration capabilities which have won numerous awards. Even at 96 years young he would occasionally doodle at his bedside drawing board at the Kahl Home. His children, grandchildren, friends and many others will cherish his art for many years to come.
Ward adored his bride of nearly 58 years, and missed her terribly after losing her in 2009. Dad saw Mom through many illnesses over the years and he was the reason for her many recoveries. He remained in their pink family home until his declining health required more care, and he reluctantly moved to the Kahl Home in 2017. Together they enjoyed dancing, travel, their many friends, Wheel of Fortune, their grandchildren, and their many family gatherings and celebrations. Ward also found relaxation in architecture, interior design, singing, and as his grandchildren lovingly call "Papa's Park", putzing in his yard. Ward saw nature, like no other, through the keen eyes of an artist, and appreciated its beauty…especially the rocks and the trees. Dad also cherished his weekly lunches, outings and adventures with Tom, his son. He will also be remembered for his many words of wisdom: "Always keep your sense of humor", "Travel the middle road" and "God is Love".
Ward is survived by his beloved son Dr. Tom Olson (Robin) of Bettendorf, daughters Susie Johnson (Dana) of Alexandria, MN. and Becki Brown (Robert) of Tracy, California, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren with more on the way!
Ward, Dad, Papa was loved by many and will be missed but we find comfort in his love, our fond memories, his long full life, and that he now joins our sweet Mama, as they continue their dancing now and forever.
A special thanks to the Kahl Home staff and their compassionate, constant, loving, dedicated care for our sweet Papa!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Asbury Methodist church, the Kahl Home, or Hearts of Harvest Foundation, founded in 2003 by daughter, Becki Brown, in honor of grandson Erikson Ward Brown, who was born with a congenital heart defect, 793 S. Tracy Blvd. #149, Tracy, CA 95376
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ward Olson
Sponsored by Weerts Funeral Home.
Linda (Holmes) Ambre
October 23, 2023
Hello family of Ward, this is a very late condolence for your dad, but I worked with him over 40 years ago at ACI in Davenport. For some reason, his name popped into my mind a few days ago and I have been thinking of him ever since. I was a young, naive, account executive, just out of college and Ward kindly, and in his gentle, quiet way, showed me the ropes. Your remembrance of him was beautiful to read. I will be forever grateful to have known him and experience his beautiful art. May he rest in peace.
Sheila Wyeth
February 6, 2021
I did not know Ward but am in possession of one of his works of art, a depiction of the old Chadwick, IL hotel which he has signed in pencil. It hangs in my hallway and was purchased with our house. I am sorry to read he has passed but I have enjoyed reading about him.
April 27, 2020
During Tom's Friday lunches I normally sat by Ward. He and I became good friends over the years, imbibing in occasional Manhattans when I had the afternoon off. During my college days I was surrounded by artists so gravitated towards Ward. I miss you!
Stephen Suiter
April 22, 2020
Ann and I are fortunate to have 5 of Wards paintings, one of which was my Dads Sea Ray he painted from Isle of Capri marina about 15 years ago. We presented it in a beautiful frame to my Dad for his birthday and I wish I had a picture of the expression on his face upon opening it. I think it was the only water color he had of any of his boats. He was overjoyed. It was a pleasure to have known Ward and he always showed an interest in our kids. He was a class act who is happily painting away in heaven. Rest In Peace dear friend. Your work on earth is done. Our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family who have cared for their Dad so well. Our deepest sympathy.
Ray Myers
April 20, 2020
I worked with Ward at Bowden's in the late 50s. He was a kind and gentle
man and very talented!
Anne Johnson
April 19, 2020
Ward was very gifted and his pictures are memorable. He always asked what he should draw for our kids for a graduation business, framed Christmas cards are scattered thru out our home, and our local business sketch is front and center as u walk in.
T remember when he came to our sons funeral, he was so sad and he always enjoyed our boys. He told that day he wanted them as pall bearers and now he would have to think of some one else He was always happy to hear where and what Jeremy was doing in New York.
Bev was the definition of a genuine lady.
Sadly Alcoa avenue lost 2 pillars this week- and they both helped to influence our kids.
Carl Loweth
April 19, 2020
Ward painted a watercolor of our Bettendorf home that we will always treasure. The paintings he did of the World Trade Towers after 911 and of the children of Sandy Hook school are forever etched in Rona's memory. We are still enjoying the note cards of the altar at Asbury Church.
You are blessed to have had a very good father. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Rick N. Reed
April 18, 2020
To Tom and Family,
Cindy and I are so deeply saddened in the passing of Ward. He was an amazing artist, friend and a mentor to so many in the art and advertising community throughout the Quad Cities and beyond. I absolutely loved working under Ward and was so very blessed to not only learn so much from him, but to be able call him my dear friend. I know Bev has been patiently waiting for Ward in Heaven and that they are smiling, laughing and dancing together once again. God Bless Ward and the entire Olson family.
Dr. Rick N. Reed & Cynthia Bruhn
Vicky Clark
April 18, 2020
Sorry for your loss. I will always remember the Christmas cards each year.
Vicky Clark
April 18, 2020
Sorry for your loss. I will always remember the Christmas cards every year.
Bob and Annie Bloomer
April 18, 2020
To Tom and Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Ward. He was a gentlemen never to be forgotten as he left his mark on so many with his artistic hand. Always think of him when we look at the picture of the "Roamer" that he painted. He and your Mother were great people. He will be missed by many people. Sorry we cannot attend a service for him. God Bless Ward and all your family.
Debbie Smith
April 18, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I only meet Ward two times. It was when he came to the Buffalo Bill Museum, LeClaire, to sign his famous Lone Star Steam-wheeler Paddle Boat painting and several others. He was very gracious. He was a great artist and his painting will live forever.
Roberta Shinbori
April 18, 2020
My condolences to you, Tom & your family. I saw his paintings & smiled that I had the honor of meeting your dad. God bless you all.
Doug Miller
April 17, 2020
Ward and I got to know each other many years ago. He was always a pleasure to talk with about anything of mutual interest at the time. He was a knowledge and delightful gentleman and a fine artist.
John Norton
April 17, 2020
A great artist and good friend! We shall miss him, but treasure his work!
Gerri & Kent Bowers
April 17, 2020
Ward Olsen did the cover for our book BIx "The Davenport Album", BY Rich Johnson, Jim Arpy & Gerri Bowers. He was the nicest sweetest man. Wonderful Artist. We loved to see him dance at the Bix Festival & Catfish Jazz. He was well loved & will be missed. RIP Mr. Olsen
evelyn schneider
April 17, 2020
I was just thinking about Ward and the family this week. I have a small print of a riverboat on a wall where I see it several times a day. During your time of grieving I pray that you feel the presence of Christ with you.
Tanya (Otto) Buckley
April 16, 2020
I went to school with Ward's youngest daughter, Becki, and always remember the portraits Ward had painted of all 3 of his children in their home-they were beautiful!
He was a great & gifted man and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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