Jim Olson

Jim was born in Fort Dodge on March 7, 1952, to Benjamin and Oletha (Andie Andreasen) Olson. He grew up in Rockwell City where he graduated from High School. After graduating Jim joined and served in the U.S. Army. Jim lived and worked in Maquoketa until moving to Fort Dodge where he began working at Kinney Shoes in the Crossroads Mall. Jim was united in marriage to Rhonda Kroska in 1977 in Pomeroy, IA. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans; he served as a lay pastor for the Otho United Methodist Church and was currently a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Jim loved collecting Elvis memorabilia and loved listening to Elvis and the Beatles. He also enjoyed woodworking and making yard ornaments, but most of all loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

While at Kinney Shoes in Fort Dodge he also worked at various Kinney Shoes stores in Iowa. He then began working at Custom Meats in Webster City. Jim also worked at various other jobs. His most favorite job was being a Mr. Mom to his three younger children.

After retirement, Jim loved staying at home with his loving wife, working in the garden and just enjoying each other’s company. If you were friends with Jim, you would know because he would call you on his favorite invention — the phone. He enjoyed chatting on the phone, carrying on a conversation, whether it was talking about the weather or politics, even something he didn’t know about, but knew you did. Jim’s two greatest loves were his faith and family. The Lord was someone who Jim always looked to for guidance and was the guiding light to the structure of his family. He was a master in his garage, wood working, and making lawn ornaments to jazz up his yard.

Growing up with his children he enjoyed taking them on camping trips and finding a new adventure. Just being with his family was all Jim needed. As his kids got older and built their families, the grandchildren became the love and joy of his life. When the grandkids would visit him, he would greet them in his beloved “Donald Duck” voice. As his grandchildren differed in age, he would always find a way to bond with them in their own and diverse interests. They would always wonder what Nana and Papa were doing and when they could go visit them again.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Rhonda, children Tabitha (Chris) Johnson of Fort Dodge, Michael (Chasity) Olson of Fort Dodge, Jamie (Aaron) Campbell of Calendar, IA, Brian Olson and Aric (Jenifer) Olson and family of Maquoketa, IA; grandchildren Tyler (Bailey), Kayla, Lilly, Ella, Eli, Jace, Alice; great-grandchildren Oaklynn and Waylon; his siblings Jan (Lee) Thielmann of Ankeny, IA and Terry (Eileen) Olson of Duncombe, IA along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Oletha; baby brother Ben; sisters Mary and Carol; nieces Stephanie and Dana.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.