Thomas Olson
June 23, 1944 ~ April 19, 2016
Thomas 'Tom' Olson, 71, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at the Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2016, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend David Beckman. Visitation: 4-6 p.m., Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Burial with Military Honors: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife, Norma; daughter, Bobbi (Larry) Olson-Noggle; step-son, Hector Castro; step-daughter, Tezia (Manuel) Gonzalez; grandchildren, Karen and Jose Gonzalez, and Rachel Noggle; step-father, Jim Fuehrer; brother, Mike (Gloria) Olson; sisters, Patrice (Richard) Terry, Lorri (Joe) Hutchcroft, Lisa (Kent) Bowden, and Stacey (Kevin) Bowden; many nieces and nephews; and close friends, Don Eells and Bob Hanson.
Tom was born June 23, 1944, in Vinton, Iowa, to Emil Edward and Virginia Mae (Kohl) Olson. He served valiantly in the US Navy during the Vietnam War as a combat medic. He was part of the first Marine Battalion sent to Vietnam, and helped give medical care to his fellow soldiers. Upon returning home, he earned his Bachelor's degree in History at Mankato State, and married Norma Adilia on May 2, 1992, in Guatemala. He was a hard worker, and worked as a salesman for Keller-Hull for over 30 years.
Tom enjoyed all sports, especially college, and was a fan of the Yankees. He was incredibly smart when it came to sports statistics'he didn't read the sports pages, he studied them'and made sports trivia a game to stump his friend Don. Tom liked having visitors at the Veterans Home, and would watch the Hawkeye games and eat snacks with his brother, Mike, when he visited. Tom's grandchildren visited from Guatemala and sang songs for him. He enjoyed reading, religious and bible study, and praying the rosary. Tom had a sense of humor, and was a tough, resilient man. He was active in the Xavier High School Foundation, and wanted to be remembered as a kind person who tried to help people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, especially Grandma Elizabeth Olson.
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Tom was a well remembered high school class mate. We thank him for his dedicated service to our country after graduation. His determination and hard work after serving in Vietnam are greatly admired. He was always in good spirits and it was enjoyable to reminisce with him at the high school class reunions. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Dan Holtz, Vinton high school classmate, class of ’62
Very well stated Dan. Tom always had time in school to say hi to me. It meant a lot. Another Tom and ‘Class of ’62 member: Tom Pingenot
Dad’s 70th birthday party.
This man was such a huge supporter of Xavier and the biggest sports fan around! Thank you for all the smiles and high fives through the years, Tom!
Amanda (Covington) Breeden
Tom had one of the kindest hearts I have ever met. His unique support of all things Xavier High School, especially the athletes, was at times awe inspiring. Tom has earned his rest. God Bless. Jeff Henderson, former Xavier principal
In the name of Tom Olson,
A Novena
“O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist us in our necessity. O Star of the Sea, help us and show us herein you are our Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, we humbly beseech you from the bottom of our hearts to succor us in our necessity in this time of our sorrow at the passing of our friend and relative, Tom.
There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Holy Mary, we place this cause in your hands! Amen.”
Allyson, Peggy and Stu Ballinger – admirers, friends and colleague of Tom since we first met in 1980!!
Tom enjoyed our Vinton High School classmates and our Class of ’62 reunions. He didn’t have the best health for a number of years, but he didn’t complain. We had several classmates who stayed connected with Tom and who improved the quality of his life. I know he appreciated your many kindnesses.
Tom enjoyed a deep Catholic faith and he liked sharing his experiences with me. You were special and you will be missed, Tom. May eternal rest be granted to you.
Alan and Janet Woodhouse
Class of ’62
Vinton