Robert Norman Olson

Bob was born August 14, 1927 to Norman and Violet (Thompson) Olson in Hayward, WI. He graduated from Hayward High School. He served in the Navy in 1945 and 1956 during World War II. He was stationed in Guam. Art was Bob’s life. He studied art at the University of Minnesota, Lake Superior Art Center in Duluth, MN, and at art workshops across the nation. Bob owned and operated Bob Olson’s Indoor and Outdoor Advertising in Hayward for over 50 years. Bob married Mable Thoni on January 27, 1951 in Hayward, WI. Since the 1950’s, Bob’s sign and billboard creations have helped to define the look of the Hayward Lakes Area. His use of colors and lettering were unique and instantly recognizable, due to their quality representation of the advertiser’s business. He was and artist from head to toe; practicing his craft not only through his professional work, but also through numerous paintings that he created for his own enjoyment, on assignment for others, and often gave away as a gift to friends and family. While Bob enjoyed the beauty of the northwoods, he also appreciated a variety of other climatic environments, often splitting time between Hayward, Stewart, FL, and Pahrump, NV. As with Hayward, he left behind a part of his legacy in those locations. A “History of the Automobile” mural that he created in the 1950’s is still on display in a Stewart, FL museum, and a variety of paintings from his time in Pahrump and Hayward are on display in numerous homes throughout the country. Many of those paintings were originally displayed in art shows crafted exclusively for his work. Throughout his career, his artwork has had national exposure. When choosing the settings for his painting compositions, Bob located quiet places that he would like to be at himself. Bob’s style in his original work is loose and impressionistic. He has served on the Art Council in Pahrump, NV, the Hayward City Council, and was a member of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce in Hayward, WI. He was a member, baptized, and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Hayward. Bob loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

Bob is survived by; his wife, Mable of Pahrump, NV; one daughter, Susan (Ken) Loomis of Dallas, TX; one son, Michael Olson of Atlanta, GA; three granddaughters, Erika Loomis Hayes, Erin Loomis Dreiling and Angela Loomis, all of Dallas, TX; one brother, Donald (Janene) Olson of Central Point, OR; and one sister, Betty (Brent) Snodgrass of Naples, FL. He was preceded by his parents; one sister, Shirley Jordan; and one brother, Richard Olson.

Funeral services for Bob will be held on Wednesday, July 27 at 11 a.m. at Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home in Hayward, WI with Pastor Scott Ludford officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward. Arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home, Hayward, Wisconsin.