Rolyn W. Olson

Rolyn W. “Ron” Olson, 88, of Rock Island, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at UnityPoint Trinity West Medical Center in Rock Island. Visitation will be Sunday, February 5th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, IL. Services will be at the funeral home on Monday, February 6th, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Peniel Cemetery in Joy, IL, with Military Honors by American Legion Post #246. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, the National Kidney Association, or to the National Rifle Association. Ron Olson was born June 24, 1928 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Samuel and Hattie (Harris) Olson. He grew up on a farm between Joy and New Boston, and attended Joy School, graduating in 1946. On April 10, 1949, he married Mary Gustafson. As a young man, he worked on his parent’s and grandparents’ farms. During the Korean War, he served with the U.S. Navy Seabees who constructed Subic Bay Naval Base in the South Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Seabee Reserves, the Seabee Veterans of America, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Rifle Association, and the Vikings. He was a 60+ year member of Millwright Local Union #2158, and worked as a Millwright and Welder on construction jobs all over the Mid-West. He served his Union as Board Member, Treasurer, Negotiator, and Apprentice Instructor. He was on the committee negotiating the first insurance and pension benefits for Local 2158 in 1964. He was also treasurer of the Millwright Retirees Club. After retiring in 1990, he enjoyed restoring and showing antique tractors, for which he won many trophies. He spent many hours working in his shop at home. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage, and enjoyed studying the family genealogy. He was a member of the International Harvester Collectors Club, the Mid-West Old Threshers, and the Edwards River Antique Engine Club. In addition to Mary, his wife of 67 years, survivors include his son, David (Heidi) Olson, and his daughter, Margaret Rosanne Moreland, all of Rock Island; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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