Irvin John Olson

June 10, 2008

Irvin John "Ole" Olson Irvin John "Ole" Olson, of Phoenix, Ore., died June 10, 2008, at Rogue Valley Medical Center as a result of respiratory complications after routine knee replacement surgery. He was 84 years old. Ole was born in Esterville, Iowa, on July 23, 1923, to Albert and Jessie (Davis) Olson. He attended Algona High School and graduated in 1941. He was in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Astoria U.S. Naval Hospital in Oregon as a Pharmacist Mate, Third Class and received an honorable discharge in 1946. He graduated from Drake University in 1951 as a pharmacist. Ole married Phyllis Jean Sadler on Aug. 28, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa. He worked as a pharmacist in Iowa, Illinois, and New Mexico before relocating his family to Bend, Ore., in 1961, where he worked for Brandis Drug Store. Ole moved to Ashland, Ore., in 1977 and worked for Thrifty Drug Store as the only pharmacist until he retired and the store closed in 1992. Ole was very involved with the Sons of Norway, Methodist Men at the Methodist Church in Ashland, and attended activities at the Senior Center in Medford, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed traveling with the Super Seniors from his church, attended many Elder Hostels programs, and enjoyed gardening. Ole enjoyed traveling overseas to Russia, Israel, and Hawaii, cruise to the Caribbean, Norway with his brother, Dean and wife, Lucy, several times, and visited relatives all over the U.S. He also did work missions to Mexico and Guatemala. Ole is survived by daughter, Nancy J. Olson, and granddaughter, Jennifer Jean Olson, of Phoenix, Ore.; daughter, Betty L. (Les) Robertson, of Medford, Ore.; son, Richard J. Olson, of Portland, Ore.; and Gary (Shelby) Olson, of Redding, Calif.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis, on Oct. 30, 1976; sisters, Myrtle Alke, and Arlene Lindhorst; brother, Clarence; and three brothers in infancy; and most recently, on June 26, 2008, his brother, Dean Olson. Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Ashland, on Friday, July 18, 2008, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or to the RVMC hospice program. Arrangements are by Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Medford, OR. 541-773-6162. www.hillcrestmortuary.com