Kenneth "Ken" E. Olson

Kenneth “Ken” E. Olson, 96, Cherry Valley, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Waseca, MN, the son of Thorvald and Helen (Norem) Olson. He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean War. Ken married Maria “Betty” Awe in Rockford on November 16, 1968. He held various jobs before beginning his career as a painter with Ray Willie Painting and later with Duggan Decorating Company. After his retirement, Ken became a self-employed painter. Ken was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church since 1939 and was a member of VFW Belvidere Post #1461.

Survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Betty; his 3 daughters, Tanya (Mark) Bender, Nancy Yehling, and Karen (Paul) Sletten; his grandchildren, Alexeus Bender, Sarah (James) Schackelton, Sheila and Nadia Bender, Sedona, Jude, Willem and Rhys Yehling, Jackson, Franklin and George Sletten; his great-grandchildren, Aurora, True and Piper Schackelton; many nieces and nephews, 2 sisters-in-law, Nonie Olson and Pauline Olson. Predeceased by his parents, his siblings, Nevina Monsen, Alice Nordstrom, Jean Frye, Otto Hagen, Thorvald Olson, Jr. and Herbert Olson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St. with Reverend Rob James officiating. Burial with Military Honors at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. on Friday at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or to the family, to be forwarded to the Rotary Club of Belize. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.