Alan Lee Olson

Ankeny

Alan Lee Olson, 60, passed away from a 28 month battle with brain cancer on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. A Memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny.

Alan was born April 7, 1955 in Des Moines, IA to Herbert and Margaret (Smith) Olson. He was the Public Works Administrator for the City of Ankeny. Alan graduated from Urbandale High School in 1973, received his bachelor’s degree from UNI and his master’s degree from Drake University. He married Pamela Sue Chamberlin on March 25, 1978.

Since 1988, Alan was a member of the American Public Works Association (APWA). He served on the Board of Directors, was President of the Iowa Chapter of APWA, was the recipient of the Iowa APWA Chapter Leader of the Year Award and represented the Iowa Chapter as Delegate to the National APWA. Alan was also the recipient of the Stan Ring Distinguished Service Award. He also got Ankeny the APWA National Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award in 2012.

Alan enjoyed golfing, working in his yard and was an avid sports fan. He was always on the sidelines at the Ankeny Hawks/Centennial football games doing the stats. Alan always put others first, ahead of his own needs. He lived to help others. Alan had a great impact on the lives of many children that he helped coach and mentor, but his greatest passion was being a grandfather to his five granddaughters.

Alan is survived by his wife, Pam Olson of Ankeny; daughter, Joy (Nate) Burk of Ankeny; son, Jake (Erin) Olson of Clive; five granddaughters, Peyton, Kendall, Ellerson, Breslyn and Tiernan; brother, Gary (Debbie) Olson of Des Moines and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Prairie Ridge Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Al Olson Scholarship Fund #212836. Checks should be made payable to the University of Northern Iowa Foundation and mailed to 205 Commons, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.