Robert "Bob" Olson

Robert “Bob” J. Olson, 93, of Grand Island, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the United Congregational Church with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Grand Island Veterans Honor Guard. Reverend Lonnie Logan will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Bob was born December 12, 1922, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Adolph and Veronica (Miller) Olson. He grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1940. In 1944, he received his BS Degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University – (in absentia) while serving as an engineering officer with the U.S. Naval Forces in the Pacific. He also graduated from Engineering Officers Training School at Columbia University. After World War II, Bob received his Masters in Electrical Engineering from University of Nebraska Lincoln. Bob married Mary Anne Boller on January 24, 1946 in Chicago. Following the war, he joined the General Electric Company in Schenectady, N.Y. He spent the next 20 years with GE, eighteen of those headquartered in Omaha. During this time, he supervised the installation of electrical equipment and in this capacity, served many of Nebraska’s electric utilities. In 1966, he left GE to accept the position of Chief Engineer of the Grand Island Utility Department and in 1974, became Director of Utilities Operation for the city, from which he retired in 1986. Bob was a registered professional Engineer since 1950 and was a lifetime member of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers. He served as a member of the Legislative Committee of the American Public Power Association, was active in the American Waterworks Association, and was Director of the Utility Section for the League of Nebraska Municipalities. He was president of the Engineers Club, Grand Island Chapter. Was a member of the Natural Resources Commission, State of Nebraska, and was official representative to the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, also serving as president and was on the board of directors. He was a member of the Grand Island Kiwanis Club for 27 years and served a term as president. He served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army. An active member of the United Congregational Church, Bob served on the boards of Deacons and Trustees for many years. He also loved to sing in the church choir. Bob enjoyed woodworking, making many items for family and friends. He is survived by his wife; son and daughter-in-law, Court Olson and Camille Rubinelli of Bellevue, WA and daughter and son-in-law, Susan and David Bosley of Omaha; and grandchildren, Jon Olson and Karey Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Emery Olson; sisters, Neva Olson and Marguerite Ostlund and brother-in-law, Herman Ostlund. Memorials are suggested to the United Congregational Church or the Salvation Army.

Robert "Bob" Olson

December 12, 1922 - April 5, 2016

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Robert "Bob" Olson

December 12, 1922 - April 5, 2016

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support