Ronald Olson
October 26, 1935 ~ March 24, 2021
Ronald Blaine Olson, 85, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Family and friends will gather from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Private family inurnment will be at the Grace Episcopal Church Columbarium.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Suzette 'Susie'; children, David, Randy (Cindy), and Dan (Jessica); grandchildren, David (Amy) Becicka, Tiffany Olson, Courtney Olson (Adam) , Robert (Katie) Olson, Stacy Olson (Dave), Russ Olson, Jo Ann (Jason) Lynch, Tony (Bry) Olson, Kyle Olson, Whitney Olson, and Amiee Olson (Mitchell); great grandchildren, Elli and Ty Becicka, Kaden and Kinsey Reynolds, Lance and Addy Johnson, Sutton and Josey Olson, Jaylee and Jordy Lynch, Cru Olson, and Morgan and Ashton Chesmore; and a brother, David (Judy) Douglas.
Ron was born October 26, 1935, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Edwin and Lavada (Mendenhall) Olson. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1954, and then served in the US Navy. On December 15, 1956, Ron married Suzette Zirtzman in Cedar Rapids. His amazing work ethic guided him on a nearly 40-year career as a bricklayer for SMI. Ron also volunteered his time and talent with Habitat for Humanity for ten years.
His family was his most precious gift. Ron was the go-to guy for help with everything. He could fix anything and offer advice on everything. He loved to be with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Ron was the patriarch of the Olson racing family. He was their number one fan and toughest critic. Ron loved spending time with them at the track and his presence will continue to be felt on race nights.
In his free time, Ron enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Mount Hermon Lodge in Cedar Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Russell Blaine Olson; and daughter-in-law, Gayle Olson.
Memorial may be directed to the World Wildlife Fund or the charity of the donor's choice.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My condolences to the entire Olson family. Ron you will be missed by many!!
I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was such a nice man with a warm smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to Susie and the family. ❤️
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Prayers to the Olson family.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, he was always such of a nice man. I always enjoyed his humor. My thoughts and prayers go out to Susie and the family.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Growing up Ron was a second father figure to us. He will be greatly missed.
Sending love and hugs to our Olson Family. We are thinking of you and praying for strength for you all.
You have our deepest condolences. Ron was awesome. He and his family were so helpful when we were trying to build our house on our own. Ron knew so much and was a fun task master. We were privileged to know him and his family. You will be in our hearts and prayers. Mr. and Mrs. S and Joey
With caring thoughts,
To Susie and family, My husband Richard and I were deeply saddened to read of Ron’s passing. I graduated with Ron at Roosevelt High School. We were on the school reunion committee and Ron came to our house several times for meetings. I remember asking Ron how he could be in two places at once because he was always “on the go,” usually helping others. I honestly don’t remember him without a big grin on his face. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all. With love and prayers, Judy (Thomas) Morningstar and Richard Morningstar
We were sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a great mentor to me when I worked for Seedorf Masonry. Our condolences to the Olson family. Steve and Gloria Allnutt
With caring thoughts,
Our deepest sympathy from all of us at Prestige Masonry.
Dave and family, I was so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing.I can still remember our days at the Giant store. He liked to stand at the service counter and chat with us girls and Officer Hicks. Always had a story to tell. I know he will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing..He looked the same to me altho I have not seen any of you since I was a kid..I lived in the big white house across the street next to Millers.. Remember Ron and you Sue, so sorry for your loss..Just remembering back he was a character..always something going on at the Olson home.. Jackie Vail Price
My Dad (Bob Decker) and brother were friends thru Boy Scouts. I remember his smile and always happy. Condolences to his family. Deb Loring
With heartfelt condolences,
We are thinking of you.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your Husband/Father /Grandpa and am sure that anyone who knew Ron has good memories of him. What a respectable man that I’m privileged to have known. Again, so sorry for your loss. Greg & JoAnn Snyder
Our prayers are with the entire Olson family.
Susie and Family…we are so sorry for the loss of Ron. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim & Helen Yeisley
Dave & Judy…we were so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim & Helen Yeisley
Ron was a great man and a great friend to so many. I never guessed when I moved in across the street from he and Susie that I would be living next to some of the greatest people I would know, let alone be able to call these people friends some day. Ron set a great example to all with his work ethic and willingness to help someone in need. It didn’t take long before I was one of those people in need and Ron was helping me out. Little by little I got to know Ron better by asking him advice and before I knew I had a good friend across the street. I will always cherish the conversations I had with Ron in the shop or he and Susie on the porch overlooking the neighborhood. You will be missed Ron but more importantly you will be remembered, and your legacy will live on through others trying to be more like you. God bless you. Sean & Urvashi Martin
Ron will live on in the memories of each life his radiant spirit touched. He was a truly extraordinary person. Ron will be missed and remembered .
To the entire Olson Family – our deepest sympathies from the team of Ron’s friends and co-workers at SMI. Ron was a leader, mentor and friend to many, and he helped build an incredible tradition at Seedorff. His legacy lives on in many ways, and through many great people. He will be missed. The SMI Team
I had the privilege to work with Ron at Habitat for Humanity. He was a great teacher & friend. I enjoyed every encounter with him. warmest thoughts.
Ron was one of my Boy Scout leaders back in the 1970’s (he will always be “Mr. Olson” to me). I remember riding my bike to patrol meetings at his home and sitting around the big table in the kitchen, and his kind, fatherly presence on hikes, weekend camping trips, and weeks at Scout Camp. I fondly recall his words of instruction and encouragement, and am grateful for his influence in my life. Sympathies to the Olson family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Ron was an incredible volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He always made me laugh when I would go to the build site and he was there. He dedicated many hours to serving families. He will be missed by all. Blessings to the family on a great loss.
I just learned of Ron’s passing. The Olsons were neighbors during my childhood and when my parents, Jerry and Donna Plotz, continued living in their home on 2nd Avenue. Ron had a big personality and was a force in the neighborhood, helping out whenever he could. After my dad died, I especially appreciated my mom being included in the summer neighborhood picnics Ron and Susie had in their back yard. Heartfelt condolences to Susie and the Olson family. Thank you for the memories. Cheryl Plotz