Robert "Bob" William Olson

Robert "Bob" William Olson, 82, of Aberdeen, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen.

Bob's wishes were to be cremated with no visitation being held prior to his service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 409 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, with Father Melvin Kuhn, Celebrant.

Burial, with military rites conducted by Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post #24 of Aberdeen, will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Aberdeen.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.

Robert "Bob" William Olson was born on March 19, 1932, to Charles and Bertha (Ohlaff) Olson in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He attended Aberdeen Public Schools, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School in 1950. Along with his studies at Central, Bob was a member of the varsity football team. He enrolled at Northern State Teacher's College in the fall of 1950, with a focus on science and math. His studies were interrupted following his junior year, when, during the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Bob was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned to college to complete his senior year. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in education.

Bob began his teaching career in Scotland, South Dakota, where he taught for one year. On August 10, 1957, Robert married Jeanette "Jean" Kraft at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aberdeen. The couple then moved to Duluth, MN, where they were both employed in the Duluth Public School System. Bob taught chemistry, physics, math, and computer science at Morgan Park High School for 32 years. He retired in 1989.

Bob appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed summers at the family cabin in Gordon, WI, as well as many fishing trips in Minnesota and Canada with his friends. Bob loved sports and volunteered many hours coaching his sons and other area youth through his involvement in the Duluth Youth Hockey Association and the Duluth Junior Football League. He also spent time as a scorekeeper, timekeeper, and video technician for several Duluth Area High Schools. Bob was a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan and rarely missed watching a game.

After retiring, Bob and Jean moved back to Aberdeen, where they spent their summers, and wintered in Mesa, AZ. They were blessed to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds, making many new friends in each community.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Vivian Brick, Doris Lee, and Arlene Hauck; and a brother, Edward.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean; three children: Paul Alan (Beth) Olson of El Dorado Hills, CA, Barbara Jean (Mark) Case of Fergus Falls, MN, and Charles Joseph (Nancy) Olson of Circle Pines, MN; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.