Matt Oleson 1965 - 2022

OLESON, CUNDIFF, PETERSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/18/2022 at 11:00:18

Sioux City Journal
14 September 2022

Matt Oleson

Sioux City

Our beloved, Matt Oleson, 57, of Sioux City, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, surrounded by his family. He passed away knowing that he would be reunited with TJ, Judy, and Sharon.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Holy Cross Parish-Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3012 Jackson St., Sioux City. Father David Hemann will officiate. Following the funeral service there will be a luncheon at the St. Michael Parish Center, 2223 Indian Hills Dr. Visitation with the family present will be from 4 to 7 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m., on Friday evening all at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Matt was born Sept. 10, 1965 in Dubuque, Iowa; he is the son of Earl and Judy (Cundiff) Oleson. Matt graduated from North High School in 1984. There he made lifelong friends! After he graduated from high school, he attended the University of Iowa and Briar Cliff College for one year each. Matt then began working at Harkers in Le Mars, Iowa.

On Aug. 10, 1991, he married Dawn Peterson in Le Mars; marrying Dawn helped get him focused. He then completed his teaching degree at WestMar College in Le Mars in 1993. Matt taught fifth grade in Merrill, Iowa, from 1993-2003. He always said it was the best community in which to work. After moving to Sioux City, he was hired and taught science at West Middle from 2004-2014. While teaching, he finished his master's degree in technology in 2008.

Matt told every student that he loved them and supported their dreams. He put all his energy into making learning fun, yet useful in remembering. He would say, "I shouldn't get paid for something I love doing!" After he left teaching, he missed those student relationships, but loved when there were some who could reconnect with him.

Matt and Dawn had three beautiful children. Together, they instilled values, family, and faith, which was so important to them as parents. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and personal experiences with them. Watching them mature and experience life was his greatest reward.

He cared deeply about family, friends, and his pets.

He is survived by his wife Dawn; daughters Brooke and Rachel; father, Earl Oleson (Karen); younger sister, Pam Ashley (Aaron); older brother, Bill Oleson (Ruth); sister-in-law, Lisa Brown (Lonny); brother-in-law, Heath Peterson (Sara); niece Terah; four nephews Daniel, Brody, Jack, and Logan; father-in-law, Gary Peterson (Jane); and many meaningful aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son TJ Oleson; mother, Judy Oleson; and mother-in-law, Sharon Peterson.

All gifts received in honor of Matt will be used at the discretion of his family.

We know he was a believer in Jesus Christ our Lord and savior and we will celebrate his life.