Martin E Olson

Martin E. Olson, 89, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday May 20th, 2025, at Arden Court in Geneva, Illinois. Martin (hereinafter Marty) was born on September 1st, 1935, in Waco, Texas, the son of the late Bernice Martin Olson-Beath.

Education

Marty graduated from Aurora College with a BA in Elementary Teacher Education. He taught 6th grade elementary school for over 30 years, both in Wareham, Massachusetts and Aurora, Illinois. However, most of his teaching years was with West Aurora School District 129, alongside his wife, Charlotte. Many former students have told Marty's son, Jeff, that they remember Mr. Olson as inspiring, full of encouragement, and always being available to students, thereby creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Moreover, Marty was a great history teacher using engaging explanations and asking questions that promote elaboration and critical thinking, encouraging students to think deeper. Lastly, but not least, let's not forget that chewing gum was allowed in his class... as long as it wasn't found stuck under the seat!

Church

Marty was obedient to our Lord by living his life in service. He served as a Deacon at the Aurora Advent Christian Church for many years and loved to greet people with a big smile every Sunday. Simply put, Marty lived a life of faith and service by his devotion to helping others, spreading God's love through prayer chains, and always willing to help those in need. Everyone who truly knows Marty understands that his life was a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to serving God.

Activities

Marty was very active in church activities but also enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and golf when he was a younger man and was a lifetime enthusiastic Chicago Cubs fan with his wife, Charlotte.

Family

In addition to Marty's parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Melinda "Mindy" Barrows; grandson, Kyle Barrows; and sister, Lynn Olson Campbell. Marty is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Howes); son, Jeffrey, and daughter-in-law, Leigh of Kennebunk, Maine; grandson, Joshua Barrows (Lindsey) of Bristol, Illinois; great-granddaughters, Olivia and Leia Barrows of Bristol, Illinois; sister-in-law's, Alma Shurtleff (Dick d. 2016) of Middleboro, Massachusetts, and Sylvia Smith (Burton James) of Davenport, Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 11AM-12PM, with a funeral ceremony at 12PM, at Redeemer (formally Advent Christian Church), 905 N. Edgelawn Dr., Aurora, Illinois. In addition, a private memorial service will be held by Marty's son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Olson, in Kennebunk, Maine. In lieu of flowers, Marty would appreciate that donations be made to the Aurora Food Pantry.