Clifford Albert Olson

Clifford "Ampa" Olson died peacefully on Tuesday, December 21, of heart disease. A private memorial service will be held in the spring.
Cliff was the fourth of seven children born to Carl Axel and Tora Olson, both of whom emigrated from Sweden. He was born during World War I, and was part of the "greatest generation," living through the Great Depression and World War II.
Cliff lived most of his life in the Des Moines area. He graduated from East High School, and worked many years for Equitable of Iowa in the life insurance business. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Forces. He married Patty Joynt from LeMars, and sometimes referred to their many decades together as "heaven."
Their marriage produced four children: Jim (Mer), Tom (Louie), Tim (Toni), and Polly Porter (Jim). Tom died three years ago.
Besides his wife and living children, Cliff is survived by his sister Kay Reeves, nine grandchildren, and seven (and counting) great grandchildren.
Cliff was a gifted woodworker, and a genius with anything mechanical. When not cruising the aisles of a hardware store, he enjoyed travel and other family activities. He was a gentle, unassuming man, tall and handsome, with a keen mind. Most of all, he was patient, enduring his long illness with humor and grace.
Cliff and his family are indebted to the many in-home workers who helped him stay home, and the doctors and nurses who cared for him, especially those who made his last days comfortable.
Memorial contributions may be directed to WesleyLife Hospice Care.