Robert Leonard Olson, 94, resident of The Addison of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Hospice Alliance Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
Born in Sioux City, IA, on December 3, 1925, he was the son of the late Victor and Leone (Hewitt) Olson. He lived in Iowa City, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA before settling in Kenosha, WI in 1957.
Bob was a proud WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Airborne Infantry, Sixth Air Force from 1944-1946. During his service, Bob found parachuting exhilarating and his goal was always to be the first man to jump. Some of his experiences that he shared were of his feather-weight boxing skills and his time spent on the Galapagos Islands.
After attending the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska, he earned his degree in Microbiology.
On June 13, 1953, he married his life-long dance partner and soul mate, Albia Navratil, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. Bob and Albia celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on June 13, 2020.
Bob started his career with the City of Kenosha Health Department in 1957 as director of the Health Department Laboratory, retiring in the late 1980’s. During his career, he also played an important role in expanding the medical laboratory in Southern Colony in Union Grove, WI. When he retired, he always said he missed his germs.
Bob was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He found an importance in creating wonderful family memories, including yearly family vacations and weekends on the pontoon. Bob and Albia enjoyed square dancing and traveling. He was an avid golfer, loved his garden, woodworking projects and enjoyed his many fishing trips to Washington Island, WI.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Albia, and daughters, Cindy (Michael) Ekern, Linda (Randy) Newby, and Nancy Olson (Ron Hendrickson); six grandchildren, Jen (Ian), Jamie (Colin), Nick (Lindsay), Scott (Heather), Lindsay (Steven), and Jacob (Dana). He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Syden, Holden, Natalie, Cullen, James, Flynn, and Gracie. He is further survived by his twin brother, William Olson of California. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janice.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to The Addison of Pleasant Prairie, and Hospice Alliance for their love and care.
A private family celebration of his life will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie, Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158, in Bob’s memory.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Bob’s
Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com