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About
John Olson Obituary
He was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Lorin and Ruby (Alvig) Olson. John attended Lane Technical High School in Chicago, Illinois (School of Champions), Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois (Bachelor of Arts in Math) and the University of Kansas (Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics). While teaching on an emergency certificate in Northwest Iowa he met the love of his life Brenda (Diischer); they married on May 7th, 1971.
John dedicated his life to education, he loved and cared for his students and enjoyed the company of his fellow educators. He taught at Hoxie High School in Hoxie, Kansas for 30 years. While teaching at Hoxie High he spent all 30 years as the student council advisor. Following his tenure at Hoxie High, John taught upper-level math at Colby Community College for 17 years in Colby, Kansas. Additionally, he served as the college sponsor of Phi Delta Phi Honor Society. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a national fraternity of educators.
He was dedicated to his family; he looked forward to spring break and summer holidays traveling with the kids and grandkids. His family always included his "pups", his heart had endless love for all of them.
In his spare time, John could be found in the basement woodworking or doing improvements around the house. He enjoyed decorating the house for Halloween and Christmas. He loved to travel, attend theater, museums, and amusement parks with his family. All of these improvements, decorations or family members often were the subject of his photographic endeavors. There wasn't a chair that he couldn't rest his eyes in.
He is survived by his wife Brenda, sons Peter (Amy), Matthew (Carlie), daughter-in-law Barbara Lewis (Jared), and grandchildren Hunter, Connor, Rylee, Bentley, and Liam. Also, his current pups, Cooper and Zoey.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Peter Lind.
"Math is fun and who can doubt it, if we have no doubt about it." John Olson
A Memorial Service will be held in Hoxie Kansas at Mickey Leopold Funeral Home on Monday August 29th at 10:30 AM. Lunch at the Hoxie United Methodist Church will follow for family and friends. The family will remain at the church until 3:00 PM for anyone who would like to visit. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Daleville, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials for the McCook Nebraska Humane Society or Dr. Max Pickerill Scholarship at Colby Community College. Please make checks out directly to McCook Humane Society or Colby Community College Endowment Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Chelsey
August 25, 2022
I´m so sorry for your loss. Mr Olson was a cheerleader for me as I was continuing my education as an adult, he was always kind caring and believed in me. My one and only class with him helped me seal my degree in place, and served as a pilot for my path forward, and ultimately my career now. Forever thankful for his patience and understanding as I navigated calculus and for now allowing me to drown.
cindy england
August 22, 2022
Prayers for Brenda and family.
Dad would be Proud John remembered his Scholarship.
They were great teachers and friends.
Hugs!
Laura Funk
August 22, 2022
Sending heartfelt condolences, much strength and caring thoughts!
I was a former student at CCC and had him as my stats 1 teacher. I always enjoyed his classes and learning from him.
Doug Johnson
August 22, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to Brenda and the family. John brought a passion for learning to the classroom and helped improve the lives of thousands of CCC students. We will always be grateful for his service to education.
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