Olney, Norris G. (1930-2016)

OLNEY, HAWK, EVANS, BERENDS, STECHER

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/22/2016 at 18:50:42

Norris G. Olney, Jr.
May 14, 1930 - September 29, 2016

Norris G. Olney, Jr., age 86, of Marathon, Iowa, died on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas.

The fourth of nine children, Norris Goodrich Olney, Jr., a son of Norris G. and Doris B. (Hawk) Olney, was born in Marathon, Iowa, on May 14, 1930. Baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church, he became as an adult a member of the Marathon United Methodist Church.

Norris grew up in Marathon and graduated from Marathon Consolidated School in 1947. He, then, attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, for two years to study forestry before joining the United States Navy. During his four years of active duty, he served on several different ships. Upon returning to Marathon, he decided to switch majors and become an attorney and enrolled at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, to study law. While at Drake, he met Frances A. Evans whom he married on December 23, 1956, in the West Des Moines Methodist Church. Subsequently, they were blessed with six children: Joan, Leslie, Bill, Michael, Richard and Jayne. Moreover, throughout the years, Norris and Fran welcomed ten foreign exchange students from around the world into their home.

Following their wedding, Norris and Fran made their home in West Des Moines while Norris attended Drake. Following his graduation, they moved to Marathon where Norris worked with his father in the bank while at the same time he established his own law practice. Norris retired from the banking profession at age 65 but continued to practice law until April 15, 2015.

An active member of the Marathon United Methodist Church, Norris served as church treasurer for many years and sang in the choir. He, also, served on many civic boards and committees including serving as Poland Township Clerk for many years. He was a proud member of the Buena Vista County Bar Association, the Iowa Bar Association, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Masonic Lodge.

An avid environmentalist and botanist, Norris enjoyed raising a bountiful vegetable garden every year. In addition, his passion for botany and the outdoors contributed to his decision to work at promoting and preserving the Marathon Park. The family remembers many summer trips to Washington State where they enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Norris, also, enjoyed fishing and spending time with his three grandsons.

Norris’ life is honored and cherished by his family which includes his children: Joan Olney, of Marathon, Iowa, Leslie Olney, of Armstrong, Iowa, Bill Olney, of Marathon, Iowa, Richard (Angie) Olney, of Armstrong, Iowa, and Jayne Berends, of Spirit Lake, Iowa; his three grandsons, Nathan Olney and Andrew and Dominic Berends; his brother, Byron Olney, of Rochester, Minnesota; and his sister, Elizabeth Stecher, of Silver Springs, Maryland; as well as by other extended family members and many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; an infant son, Michael; four brothers, infant Richard N., Richard, James, and John; and two sisters, Margaret and Frances.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 3, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Marathon Community Center in Marathon. Burial will follow in the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon. Visitation will take place Sunday, October 2, 2016, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2016, Sliefert Funeral Homes

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