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Kenneth Edward Olson, 86, died Dec. 19, 2010, at his home in Jones. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at the Hohner Funeral Home. Funeral Services for Mr. Kenneth Olson will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23 at the Hohner Funeral Home with Pastors Gary Carr and Gene Ellis officiating.
Ken was born Jan. 18, 1924, in Chicago, Ill. to Oscar (A&P Store Manager) and Ann Olson (housewife). Ken, older brother Bob, and younger brother Don were moved to a farm in Galien to attend country school. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1942. He ran his father’s farm, being the only son to receive a farm deferment during the war years. He enjoyed ice skating and playing softball. He married Jean on Oct. 8, 1949. He realized his dream of his own farm when Ken and Jean purchased the Born Farm (Jones) in 1955 and farmed it together as a family. Always a farmer, he experienced joy in anticipating the next planting or harvesting season and driving a tractor or combine to work the land he cherished. He worked for a local carpenter and electrician, learning skills he used on his farm and to help others. Ken and his wife clerked for local auctioneers Clarence Withers and Carl Allen, 1960s-1980s. Ken was a member of the Christian Church in Buchanan and later Vandalia (now Pleasant View), where he and his family were actively involved. Recently he and Jean have been attending Corey Church of the Nazarene. Known as an ice cream enthusiast, Ken also took pleasure in fishing in the Midwest and Canada, family camping and vacations seeing much of the United States, winters in Florida, and world travels. Ken’s family and friends of all ages warmly remember him as thoughtful and caring, quietly offering encouragement and wisdom, adding his touch of mischief and fun, and then working alongside them to model a job well done.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean; daughter, Nancy, of Lincoln, Ill.; son and daughter-in-law, Reggie and Dianna of Jones; grandchildren, Daniel Olson and wife Christy, Christina Miller and husband Josh, and Abby Olson; great-grandchild, Kenny Olson; one cousin, three nephews, and five nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michiana Christian Service Camp or Latin American Ministries.
