Russell B. Olson
January 9, 1960 ~ August 15, 2015
Russell B. Olson, 55, of Cedar Rapids, took the checkered flag on Saturday, August 15, 2015. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015, at the Manhattan Pavilion at Ellis Park, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his son, Kyle (Audrey) Olson; parents, Ron & Susie Olson; brothers, David Olson, Randy (Cindy) Olson, and Dan (Jesse) Olson; and Kyle's mom, Terey Mitchell.
Russ was born January 9, 1960, in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1978. He was a one of a kind and will be remembered for his heart of gold. Russ was an avid racecar driver, holding many championships from area tracks. He was especially proud to watch his son, Kyle and his nieces and nephews continue the family racing tradition.
He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Gayle Olson.
Memorials are suggested to the family.
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I will never forget the time you and your brother went running thru my front yard from the corn festival and you were joined together and on the run, I said Hi and no I have not seen you. RIP
I am so very sorry for your loss! He will be deeply missed. RIP Russ and may God give all your family and friends strength during this time!
Give em HELL B3! Gonna miss seeing you around the tracks.
It was a lot of fun growing up watching Russ and my uncle Gus Hughes trade paint at Farley! My condolences to the Olsons.
B3, you will be sincerely missed. I love you like a father and I know that K3 will continue your legacy. You raised a beautiful son and I know you’re looking down beaming with pride. I’m going to miss you dearly. I love you,
Connor Morgan
Too many good memories to recount them all! Thoughts and prayers for u all Joan Wattnem- kennedy
So sorry for the lost of a son, brother, father, uncle and friend like Russ Olson! Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family and friends of the Olson family!
From Paco Ochoa and Family
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Olson family. I’m am so sorry for your loss. Russ was a great guy who left many memories in my heart. He will be greatly missed.
R.I.P. RUSS OLSON YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS
Sorry for your loss Olson Family, I raced side by side with him many times. Stay strong Olson Bros. Racing always remember the good times, I think Russ would want it that way. Rick Hixson, Nick Hixson, Becky Hixson, Sam Rhoades, Colby Hixson (Hixson Motorsports)
I’m very sorry for your loss. May the memories of Russ find you peace. Love and prayers to all Olson family members.
-Deb Benesh
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way and may the Lord comfort you during this time.
Debra Fry
Kyle, so very sorry to hear about your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joan Schumacher
Dearest Suzy and family, I am so sorry to hear your tragic news. My thoughts are with you all.
Ive always believed the people who pass away young have fulfilled their purpose on Earth. With Russ, he fulfilled MANY purposes. I remember him about 24-23 years ago having an enormous amount of generosity and positive spark almost always! What really was amazing to me was his willingness to take Lindsay & Jenna into his life as his own. Those two girls were lucky to have Russ, just as lucky as Kyle and all the nephews and nieces he had! I’m so sorry for the Olson family, my prayers for your strength are being sent your way. He will be deeply missed by many.
Russ you where an anmial like us all as well a great friend . Will miss you my brother . I’m lost for word’s …
To Olson famliy u have my Condolence alway like watching Russ race won’t be the same God Bless!!🙏🙏
Hey Olson family. So sorry to here the passing of Russ. So sorry for your loss. At first I was sad and then instantly the good memories of our time in scouting ran through my mind at put me back in a happy state of mind. So blessed to have Russ and his family such a big part of my life.
My prayers are with you all.
John Boyle
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for peace and strength during this time.
Russ, you were truly one of a kind. Some of my best memories growing up were hanging out in the pits watching you race. You and your brothers were a great influence on me in both sportsmanship and how to treat people. Safe home my friend.
Russ you will be greatly missed…. We were blessed you have known you 🏁❤️🏁❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sry for your loss Olson family. I dated Russ in high school the only way I could tell him and Randy apart was Russ had braces got the scar on my lip still.RIP Russ
Gonna miss you Russ
Thoughts and prayers to you all olson family and friends
So sorry for you loss,.. very sad!
So very sorry to Russ’s family and friends for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa Cooley
Russ was like a big brother I never had , rest in peace brother, friend . And take it easy on Dale Sr. Love ya buddy ,,,,,, Todd Lowder
Our thoughts and prayers to the Olson family RIP
Sorry for the loss of Russ prayers and love
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember in elementary school you two traded classes to see how long it would take before the teacher would notice. I think it was that glasses that gave it away when someone could not read the chalk board. I don’t recall which one of you wore the glasses anymore.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had only met him a couple times but enjoyed talking to him every time.
Dear Ron, Susie, Tiffany and Olson Family…
We are just heartbroken to learn of Russ’s passing. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Your Cedar Valley HFH Family
Randy and Olson families. So very sorry to hear about Rusty. May God sustain you in your loss.
-Marlene Florang Chramosta and Steve “Chromey” Chramosta
Olson Family, Your loss is large. Our thoughts are with the Family. Joe and I enjoyed the races with Russ back in the day.
Your memories will live on in your hearts for your Son, Father, Brother and Uncle.
Joe and Sandy Sterk
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Russ. Too many racing memories to count. Rest in peace Russ. Our thoughts to the whole Olson family. Randy and Kay Coghlan
So sorry to hear about Russ. One of my fondest memories was when Russ and Randy helped coach wrestling over at the Ellis Community Center Boys and Girls Club. Russ inspired a great many youngsters, including my son. Russ was a dedicated father and uncle and will be missed by all. The family is in my prayers. Stacey “Lowder” Visek, long time family friend.
I will never forget all the fun times at wrestling with you Russ! You helped me accomplish goals I never thought were possible! You will be missed by many!
You have our deepest sympathy as Russ and Randy were always at our house back when we were remodeling our home. Russ graded the back yard so we could build on a unit for Sondra’s Mother. Todd talked them into helping us a lot. We’d pay them back with hotdogs from our store Orange Julius. He was always ready to give us help. We are very sorry for your loss. Tom and Sondra Lowder
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cherish the memories of your wonderful brother. RIP Russ. The Stinger Family, Steve, Penny and Shawn
Love and thoughts go out to the Olson Family of the passing of your son Rusty! He was taken to soon! God bless you all at this very difficult time!
We are so sorry to hear of the news of Russ. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Olson family. Hang on to the memories. God bless you all. Dean and Lynda Martin
Only have good memories Russ. To a life well lived! Scott Douglas and Sue Wright
Dear Olson Family, There are no words that can take the pain away from losing a loved one. Russ was an amazing man and would step in to help anyone when needed; much like the rest of the family. Ron and Susie, you raised an amazing man and you need to take pride in this. Lew and I were blessed to have known such a caring person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Remember the good times both on and off of the race track. Russ was passionate in all that he did and wasn’t afraid to show it. Rest in Peace Russ. Lew and Cindy Zearley
Russ and Kyle were our neighbors on M St SW. I remember when Kyle was born how proud Russ was to have a son. We moved away and as luck would have it Russ and Kyle became our neighbors again. We live on K St SW and they moved to 3rd St SW; right around the corner. Russ now joins my husband in heaven and I’m sure they will still have plenty to talk about. RIP Russ I will miss your humor and smile. My family sends our condolences to the Olson family.
Terry Butler
You will be truly missed my friend.
Teresa weeks
sorry for your loss
So sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from the Miller Racing Family in Dubuque.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Russ. He did some amazing work on my front steps after the flood. He was a neighbor and a friend. The last time I talked to him he stood in my yard and said,”I may live across the interstate but I will always think of this as my neighborhood.” My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. RIP Russ. Jane Thompson
Randy Danny and the. OLSON FAMILY. I was Very saddened when I got the call from brother Todd. We go back a long way. There was never a time that we saw one another where a big smile a laugh. & a huge strong. HUG. were exchanged. I am sorry I will not be able to make your celebration of life. You now are with many Angels watching over us. As your star shines so bright you will never be forgotten & will be missed by many. God Bless Russ – MUCH LOVE LISA HAHN-CARLSON.
Olson brothers and family – I was so sorry we couldn’t make it to the celebration of life for Russ, we happened to be on vacation. I don’t think I can even remember all of the good times we had racing together. Nobody can take our memories away, and boy there are some good ones!! I still tell people stories about the “good ole’ days” of racing, and you guys were a big part of that. I would love to sit down with you guys some time over a cold one and reminisce about the past. Let the memories carry you forward. The Olson Brothers’ theme song was “bad to the bone”. Yes he was, but he was also a good friend. Chapman Racing.
Thoughts and prayers to the Olson Family….From the Harmer Family
Susie, Ron, David, Randy, Danny, and the rest of your lovely family. ….We just found out today and are so sorry for your loss. We send our love to all of you.
Jenny Wolffe and Bruce Bock
Susie and Family. My deepest sympathy. Jennifer Juba (Grace Church)