Wayne Human Olson (1932-2007)

OLSON, DAWSON, SEALS, LUCKINBILL

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 12/23/2007 at 13:04:43

The Story City Herald, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, October 10, 2007.

Wayne Human Olson, 75, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 due to complications from heart surgery. Memorial services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at Plymouth Congregational Church where he was a member. Burial of his cremated remains was in the Plymouth Memorial Garden.

Wayne was born in Story City, Iowa on August 26, 1932 to Paul and Lois (Dawson) Olson. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before moving to Des Moines over 30 years ago. He worked as an announcer for radio stations including WOI, KRNT and WHO and was Chief Announcer and Cy the Eye for KCCI television. He enjoyed acting in theater productions in various Des Moines venues including the Drama Workshop, the Des Moines Playhouse and the Ingersoll Dinner Theater, which he also managed for two years. He worked as a teacher's associate at Lincoln High School. Following retirement Wayne volunteered at the Blood Center of Iowa and Plymouth Church, where he played in the handbell choir.

Wayne will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, generous heart, and love for conversation. He discussed any topic, leaving little "dead air" space. He and his wife, Judy, were committed to helping others and served as foster parents as well as a host family for foreign exchange students.

His survivors include his wife of 28 years, Judy Olson of Des Moines; two sons, Paul Olson of Hallandale Beach, Florida and Matthew Olson of Des Moines; and brother, Jon and his wife Carole Olson of Urbandale. Foster children included Stacy Seals, Lindi (Luckinbill) Johnson, and Kathy Young. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Alan Olson.

Visitation was at Iles Funeral Homes Dunn's Chapel after 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 where the family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Memorial contributions are being directed to Plymouth Congregational Church Foundation and the Bartlett Museum in Story City.