John Kenneth Olson 1872-1939

OLSON SOLON ZURCHER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 1/14/2010 at 00:22:37

Whiting Argus
3 April 1939

Pioneer Resident Passes Away

James Kenneth Olson was born, October 7, 1872 and died April 7, 1939, at the age of 66 years, ?? months and 7 days. He was the oldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. John P. Olson pioneer residents of Fairview Township and co-founder of the Albaton Lutheran Church.

Kenneth was confirmed in this church in the year 1889.

Mr. Olson married in October 1892 to Martha Maria Solon who preceded him in death in December 1903. To this union were born four children, James Newel of Whiting; Mrs. Martin Yackel of St Paul, Minn., Mrs. Harold Hall of Sioux City, Iowa and Mrs. Ted Napier of Fonda, Iowa.

On January 24, 1906 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Carrie E. Zurcher and five children were born to this union, Mrs. Malcolm Patrick, Denver, Colorado, Mrs. J.J. Weiner, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mrs. Dudley Delashmutt, Onawa, Iowa, Elsie Vivian and James Kenneth, Jr., Elsie Vivian and James Kenneth Jr, preceding their father in death.

Also surviving are 28 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two step-daughters, Mrs. Raymond Hughes of Huron, South Dakota and Mrs. Leo G. Keller, Sioux City, Iowa and John T. Zurcher, deceased. Three sisters, Mrs. Julia Olson, Sloan, Mrs. Stella Allison of California and Mrs. Ed Haakison of St. Paul, Minnesota and five brothers, George E. of Sloan, Will H. of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Gus A. of Whiting, Len S of California and John S of Sloan, and many friends who mourn his loss. He will be remembered as a man who enjoyed life to its fullest extent.

Mr. Olson was a resident of Monona County his entire life, the greater part of which was spent on his farm six miles west of Whiting. Except for a few years when he and Frank Jennewein were partners in the oil business in Whiting. It is indeed a strange coincidence that these two pioneers should both be called by death so close together.

Mr. Olson also served his community in various capacities of public office.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 1:30 from the McVay Funeral Home in Whiting, and at 2:30 at the Albaton Lutheran Church conducted by Rev. O.G. Salveson. Interment was made in Albaton Cemetery.