David Robert Olson

David Robert Olson, 70, of Mason City, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit following a short journey with aggressive cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Monday, August 7, 2017 at the First Covenant Church, 410 South Ohio, with the Rev. Steve Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the Osage Cemetery, Osage, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 until 6 PM Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Ave.

Dave was born on January 28, 1947 to Robert and Geraldine Olson in Osage, Iowa. He was baptized at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church in Osage. Dave attended school in Osage and was very involved in the football, basketball, vocal and instrumental music programs. He graduated with the class of 1965. Dave was also active in Luther League, church choir and Sunday school.
In 1970 Dave enlisted in the United States Army as his draft number was 2. He served his country honorably for two years in Vietnam. He reached the rank of Lance Corporal. In 1973 Dave decided to reenlist in the United States Marine Corp. He was able to achieve the rank of Acting Platoon Sargent.

On November 6, 1982 Dave was united in marriage to Mary Jean Scharper at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa. For 3 years they made their home in Seattle where he drove semi, played and coached baseball, worked with the youth at church and was involved in numerous fundraising events.

In 1985 they moved back to Iowa and became Hall Directors at Tanner Hall on the Waldorf College Campus in Forest City, Iowa. He was also the golf coach there.
Dave has had various jobs including working for Portland Cement, Midwest Wholesale, Mercy Hospital and the North Iowa Bus Company.

Dave and Mary Jean were licensed foster parents for 17 children that passed through their home. In 1994 they adopted 2 of the boys Dan and Nick. On June 30, 2005, after waiting 15 months, Dave received the gift of a heart transplant. He was transplant #559. This has given him 12 extra years to watch his children grow into adulthood and meet his 3 adorable grandsons.
Dave has been a member of the River City Barbershop Chorus for over 50 years. A Cub Master and Boy Scout leader for years, active in the VFW, Legion and Marine Corp League. Was the Sec. of the softball conference, active in the Kiwianas, a youth counselor and a member of the First Covenant Church.

Throughout his life Dave has been an avid sports fan. At his hospital appointments you could hear the halls ringing with the Iowa Fight Song, which Dave would jokingly play from his key chain. But his doctor would say “you may be a Hawkeye fan but you have a gopher heart.” His favorite teams being the Dodgers, Mariners, Seahawks, Hawkeyes, Twins, Vikings, Cubs and any team that beats the Yankees. In his younger years he was coaching and playing but as his health deteriorated he would watch 3 to 5 games at a time on direct tv.

His faith was a large part of his life and testimony. He was a brave and courageous man, no matter what up hill battle he was facing. Dave knew who held his future and wasn’t afraid to share his story with anyone who would take the time to listen.

Those thankful for having shared in Dave’s life include his wife of 34 years, Mary Jean; sons, Daniel (Valerie) Olson of Mason City, Nicholas Olson of Mason City, Jaime Fuller; grandsons, Noah, Elijah, Jonah; two sisters, Jane (Dave) DuChene of Waverly, IA, Rose (Al) Fredericks of Northwood, IA; two brothers, Richard (Cheryl) Olson of Albequrque, New Mexico, Ron (Linda) Olson of Kasson, MN; nieces and nephews, Mellissa (Dave) Shallberg and Annika, Rob (Stacy) Hagedorn and Sydney, Belle DuChene, Tony Fredericks, Teri (Jay) Clough and Logan, Mikayla and Alexis, Carly Scharper, Riley and Katlyn Scharper, Russell Scharper; mother in law, Mrs. William Scharper; brother in law, Kevin (Jill) Scharper; numerous Aunts, Uncles and many friends.

Mr. Olson was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Peggy Ann Olson.