Wayne A. Olson

1928 - 2024

Wayne A. Olson
Born: December 3, 1928
Died: December 15, 2024
Wayne A. Olson, 96, of Oswego, IL passed away Sunday, December 15th, 2024, at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL.
Wayne, also known as 'Ole', was born December 3rd, 1928, in Aurora, IL, the son of the late Arthur and Violet Olson. Wayne grew up in Newark, IL. He married the love of his life, Grace Nelson, on July 31st, 1949. They were together 75 years until Grace's passing just five short months ago. They lived in Yorkville and Aurora, but chose Oswego 70 years ago as their life-long home.
For many of his younger years, Wayne worked on a farm and then as a truck driver. Longtime Oswegoans may remember Olson's Shell Full-Service Station in downtown Oswego that Wayne and Grace operated from 1968 to 1982. During that time, he was also an Oswego volunteer fireman, along with most businessmen in town. After retiring from Shell, he went back to driving trucks again for several businesses. His most loved and last retirement job, for 10 years, was being an Oswego school bus driver. Overjoyed when he had his grandchildren's bus route during their early grade school years.
Wayne and Grace loved to travel, especially in their motorhome. They traveled to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For 35+ years they spent their winters in Bradenton, Florida and made cherished friendships with other snowbirds. Wayne enjoyed fishing or golfing almost daily there, sometimes he would sneak in both. Teasing us about it being 80 degrees and sunny there, while here it was 20 degrees with a wind chill of zero and snow piling up. Wayne enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing and playing cards, and those can be in any order. He also enjoyed Chicago sports, Indy and NASCAR racing. Wayne especially loved get-togethers with family and friends; young and old were always included, sharing endless stories and savoring those good times. Their love and support for their kids and grandkids, no matter who, what, when or where was Immeasurable! He was a generous kind-hearted man, expressing a smile usually with a toothpick in the corner of his mouth. He was a stickler for manners and was always thankful, never taking his blessings for granted. He always told us, if you can't say something nice about someone, then don't say anything at all. Wayne is survived by his daughter Patti Wolff of Oswego, son Brian Olson of Montgomery and forever daughter-in-law Christine Olson of Aurora; his three grandchildren, Brett Wolff of Oswego, Ryan Olson of Kenosha, WI and Dana Olson of Los Angeles, CA; his sister, Joann Riva of Chandler, AZ; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris Ropp and his beloved wife, Grace.
Wayne's family would like to acknowledge and express their heartfelt thanks and grateful friendship to their dear friends and neighbors, Rich and Judy Sollinger. The family would also like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the most wonderful mother/daughter duo caregiver ladies, Sharon Fitzgerald and Carol Gillette. Wayne loved your company and caring ways. It gave us peace of mind knowing he was well cared for while we were at work.
Visitation will take place on Monday, January 6th, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 Douglas Road, Oswego, IL. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 7th, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, IL.
Memorials may be directed to the Oswego American Legion Post 675, 9 W. Washington Street, Oswego, IL 60543. For information: 630/554-3888 or http://www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com