Olson, Curtis Allen – 1944-2012

DRAKE, EATINGER, OLSON, SPRINGER, STANDLEY, VINCENT

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/6/2024 at 08:45:57

Curt Olson, 68, of Creston, passed away Wednesday September 19, 2012 at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa. Services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Creston High School Gymnasium in Creston. Rev. Tom Woodin will officiate. Burial will be private at a later date. Open visitation will be 1-6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 23, 2012, with family receiving friends from 4-6:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Curt Olson scholarship fund. Online condolences can be left at www.powersfh.com.
Curtis Allen Olson was born September 7, 1944 in Carroll County, Iowa to Beulah (Drake) Olson and Ted Olson. He was raised in the hills out west of Manilla, Iowa. He graduated from Manilla High School in 1963, with a chance to play football at Buena Vista College. Curt received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Buena Vista, his Masters from University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his Educational Specialist Degree from Northwest Missouri State University.
Curt's professional career began in Pomeroy, Iowa. In 1968, he moved to Charter Oak-Ute as a teacher and as a coach for seven years. He became the Athletic Director in 1974. Curt's next move was to Maple Valley to be the Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, head football and golf coach. In 1982, he became the Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Creston High School, where he remained for the final twenty two years of his career. In 1986,
Curt was united in marriage to Beth Ann Eatinger in Charter Oak, Iowa. Curt went to work every day and tried to make a difference in the lives of young people. He worked with Guidance Counselors to find students who may have a drug, alcohol or emotional problem and get them help. He would stick his neck out to help them. Curt worked very hard at making sure the rules were for everyone. He made sure his "Guys" got a square deal. Probably the most important thing for the farmer boy from Manilla was helping kids get diplomas. Since March of 2005, Curt worked as a Transport Officer for the Union County Sheriff's Office. He also coached the Creston Eighth Grade Football Team. As athletic director for thirty years,
Curt's professional honors include being president of the IHSADA. He served seven years as the IHSADA Historian. Curt received the IHSADA "Golden Eagle" Award, the NIAAA Award of Merit, and the IHSAA Administrator Award. He was a finalist for the National Athletic Director of the Year Award in addition to being named the IHSADA State Athletic Director of the year. Curt served as the chairman of the IGHSAU Golf Advisory Board and on the board of the Iowa Football Coaches Association. Curt was an active member of the Creston Chamber of Commerce. He was the "Parade Master" of the Creston parades. A member of the Foster Care Review Board for 5th Judicial District, the RAGBRAI Co-Chair in Creston and a member of the Relay for Life Committee are also jobs he held. He was a member of the Manilla Presbyterian Church, Creston Lions and a proud member of two Creston Coffee Clubs.
Curt is survived by his wife, Beth Olson of Creston; two daughters, Amy (husband Matt) Vincent of Liberty, Mo. and Angie Springer of Adel, Ia.; two sons, Mike (wife Kristi) Olson of Emmetsburg, Ia. and Matt Olson of Martensdale, Ia.; one sister, Barbara Olson of Clear Lake, Ia.; ten grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-son, Mike Standley and his brother, Artie Olson.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, September 23, 2012, page 9B