Merlyn Kay OLSON

OLSON, SCHAEFER, LUIS, OLSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/11/2016 at 15:43:17

August 1, 1937 ---- September 18, 2016

Merlyn Kay Olson, Santa Maria, California, formerly of Klemme

Merlyn Kay Olson, 79 years old, was born in Klemme, Iowa at home. He was formerly from the Klemme area and died at home in Santa Maria, California on Sept. 18, 2016.

Merlyn was born on Aug. 1, 1937, to Melvin and Christina Olson. There were five children in the family, Merlyn (Audrey) Olson, Santa Maria, California; Roger (Linda) Olson, Ventura, Iowa; Harland (Jan) Olsen, Mason City, Iowa; Randy (Monica) Olsen, Garner, Iowa, and Corrine (Susie) Olsen, Klemme, Iowa.

Merlyn was 12 years old when he started working for Pete Kilgare at the Standard Gas Station and the Klemme Times newspaper. Pete would give Merlyn the jobs that needed to be done and go and work on other things. Pete would come and check and see how Merlyn was doing. The work would be all done and Pete gave Merlyn the name “Flash” for getting so much done. Merlyn graduated from the Klemme High School in 1955 and enlisted in the Army in 1955, and was a Medic and Dental Technician. He was discharged in 1958 and came back to work at the Klemme Times. Merlyn met Audrey at a skating rink and they were married in December 1959. They moved to California in 1960.

There were three daughters born to Merlyn and Audrey: Doni (Bill) Schaefer, Sarasota, Florida, Denette Olson, Sarasota, Florida, and DeAnne (Michael) Luis, Los Alamos, California, and six grandchildren: Will, Sarah, Evan Schaefer, and Lane, Levi and Aubrey Luis.

Merlyn worked in the printing business all his life, and his greatest treasure was his family. His legacy will continue in the hearts and minds of his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Olson; stepfather Arlin Olsen; mother Christina Olsen; brother, Roger Olson.

Thank you to all the people at Mission Hope, VA Support Group and Hospice for all their care. Merlyn was cremated and a memorial service was held Dec. 3 at the Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Crematory, 1003 E. Stowell Road, Santa Maria, California. Cards or letters can be sent to: Audrey Olson, 1650 E. Clark Ave., Space 283, Santa Maria, CA 93455.