OLSON, Arne L. 1930 - 2009

OLSON, BOLAND

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 1/12/2014 at 11:34:47

ARNE L. OLSON

Arne L. Olson, age 78, of Foxfire Village, N.C., passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, N.C.

Born on Aug. 14, 1930 in Clear Lake, to the late Fern and Arne Olson, Mr. Olson graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1952 with degrees in mathematics and physical education. He was a veteran of his country and served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. He began his career in education in Clear Lake. He earned a Masters in Education from the University of Iowa in 1956 and a Ph. D from the University of Oregon in 1961. His careers in education took him to the University of Illinois, Temple University, and East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake as well as Grace Lutheran Church in Warminster, Penn. and the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stroudsburg, Penn. He was an Eagle Scout. During his youth, he enjoyed football, basketball, and baseball, winning 12 varsity letters in high school. He was the golf coach at East Stroudsburg University for many years and continued to enjoy golf in his retirement.

He received honors awards from the Eastern District and Pennsylvania Associations for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. In 2004, UNI presented him the Hall of Excellence Award as an outstanding alumnus.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jo Ann Olson of Foxfire Village; four sons, Gary Olson and wife, Jennifer, of Stroudsburg, Kirby Olson and wife, Riikka, of Delhi, N.Y., Arne J. Olson of Zephyr Hills, Fla., and Stephen Clark Olson and wife, Elizabeth, of Falls Church, Va.; one half-sister, Irene Boland, of Lakeland, Fla. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com

A memorial service was held on Thursday, April 23, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, at Southern Pines, N.C. with Pastor Scott G. Homesly officiating. Memorials may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church / Preschool Education Fund, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines, N.C. 28387. Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst, N.C. was in charge of arrangements.