Wayne Renal Olson

Wayne R. Olson, 99, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of New Hartford, passed away July 19, 2017, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. Wayne was born in Independence, IA to Hans and Rosa (Netcott) Olson. He graduated from High School in 1934, and attended Independence Jr. College. As a young man, Wayne traveled the United States as a hitch-hiker until his father encouraged him to buy a car so that they could then travel together out west.

Wayne met the love of his life, Ruth Gerholdt, while working at his brother Dale’s pharmacy store in Waterloo. They were married on August 31, 1941, in Kahoka, Missouri and were blessed with three children, Esther, Dorothea and Mark.

Wayne enlisted in the United States Army on August 17, 1942, and was honorably discharged on October 19, 1948. He then worked at Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo, IA., until his retirement in 1979.

Wayne enjoyed doing many things with Ruth, including dancing, traveling the United States and camping with their family; they saw most of the lower 48 states and many national parks. He liked photographing his travels, and family, listening to many types of music, and reading. Wayne enjoyed playing board games and card games with his children, and especially never turned down a game of Pepper. Wayne was always ready to play tennis, shoot hoops or toss a football with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed watching their sporting events and was always a great cheerleader for them and their teammates.

Left to cherish his memory are Wayne’s three children: Esther (D. Aaron, deceased) Woodyard of Janesville, IA, Dorothea (D.D.) Trost of Sutherland, IA and Mark (Marcia) Olson of Ankeny, IA; nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Wayne was a member of the New Hartford United Methodist Church and the American Legion. Wayne was a quiet, conscientious man whose word was his bond. He brought his family to church every week and lived a long, fulfilling life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Legion Post 660 of new Hartford or the Prairie Heritage Center in Sutherland, IA.