Lynn Jay Olson was born on July 15, 1946 and smiles and kindness were added to the equation.
Smiles started at an early age as he grew up with his parents, Leslie and Shirley, sister, Marcia, and cousin, Ellerd. One story passed down from his mother Shirley has Lynn, at age 6, dangling from his pant leg from the rafters in the barn. We can imagine him beaming with energy, much like his grandson Roy.
At age 18, Lynn graduated from high school and left Hoffman, MN, saying goodbye to his home on the farm, and greeting the world with his kindness. He was gregarious and studious, much like his granddaughter Ana. His path led him to a degree at U of M Morris and ultimately a PhD at Notre Dame. At his core, Lynn was a scholar, with an interest in everything, much like his grandson Arne, and a passionate conversationalist, much like his granddaughter Lena. He was an avid reader of almost anything, much like his granddaughter Eva. A nerd for numbers, he also had a dreamy interest in the stars.
At age 25, Lynn married Kathryn Olson (!) and smiles increased. Lynn and Kathy raised a family together, traveled the world together, met life’s challenges with smiles together, and enjoyed an abundant life.
At age 39, Lynn was recognized as Professor of the Year at Wartburg, underscoring his lifelong passion for teaching. An animated teacher, he mentored his students and tutored his kids, and even led math study groups for their friends during ski vacations.
In his 40s, Lynn was a coach, but first a father, meeting his kids’ strikeouts at the plate and wild throws with smiles and encouragement. Lynn loved the game of baseball and held sportsmanship with high value, much like his grandson Karl.
By age 51, Lynn led tours abroad on the history of math, in both Germany and the British Isles. Students were easily motivated by his wide-eyed travel, filled with historical nuggets and unexpected turns in the journey. His hosts and his travel companions were always met with a smile and warm sense of humor.
In 2011, at age 65, Lynn retired from work, but remained connected with his Wartburg family. Lynn was a people person, sharing stories with gusto. He embarked on adventures with Kathy and close friends and loved fishing trout, walleye, or bass, much like his grandson Tom.
By age 73, Lynn was a grandfather to seven, and he loved them all dearly. He met each of them much like he did everything in life: with smiles and kindness. He was also deeply proud of his children Luke, Mandy, and Hannah, and told them that often. He made them proud as well, as he was awarded the Wartburg Medal.
On December 30, 2024, at the age of 78, the equation changed again with a sudden loss of smiles and kindness. Lynn — grandfather, dad, husband, and friend — will be missed.
Lynn is loved by his family: wife, Kathy Olson of Waverly; son, Luke (Kjellrun) Olson of Champaign, Illinois; two daughters, Amanda (Aaron) Hangge of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Hannah (Jeff) Klug of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Ana and Karl Olson, Arne and Roy Hangge, and Eva, Tom, and Lena Klug; and a sister, Marcia (Glenn) Hoffman of Alexandria, Minnesota; brother-in-law Ted (Mary) Olson, nieces and nephews.
Lynn’s brain was donated to the University of Iowa Brain Bank and Research Center to further research Lewy Body dementia. This fulfills Lynn’s support of research, but also honors all who provide care for those with dementia and for those suffering from it.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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