Robert "Bob" Francis Olson, 96, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully into heaven on October 15, 2021.

On Monday, October 25, a memorial celebration will be held from 10 am to 12 pm at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Road, Park Ridge Illinois, 60068.

Burial will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where graveside military rites will be accorded.

Bob was born on September 23, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Swedish immigrants, Joseph and Julia (Dahl) Olson. He had a happy childhood in Chicago, and graduated from Amundsen High School in 1942. Bob promptly enlisted in the U.S. Army, fought during WWII during the Battle of the Bulge and earned the Purple Heart for his service to our country. After the war he received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University and was a proud Wildcat all of his life.

He was married for 62 years to the love of his life, the late Lorrie Nelson. Together they lovingly raised their three daughters. After many years as a professional engineer at Link-Belt, and Roberts & Schaeffer Company, his retirement years were blessed with enjoying his girls and their growing families. Bob loved adventure and discovery, traveling the world with Lorrie by his side. They explored our National Parks in their camper and RV, instilling a love of travel in their children and grandchildren.

Bob lived his life devoted to God and his family, and was a role model to all. He was generous, encouraging, and willing to help anyone in need.  He loved God, loved people, and loved nature. He was a voracious reader, liked history, geography, cars and photography all his life.

Bob volunteered in many ways. He was a proud Eagle Scout and troop leader, and an active member of Gideon International, distributing Bibles around the world until his 90's. He served his church as a deacon, trustee, and supported missionaries. He enjoyed Bible studies with Lorrie and their friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters and their husbands, Nancy (Dave) Hatcher, Julie (Joe) Fuller, Carol (John) Jaderholm.  Beloved grandchildren: Emily (John) Darnell, Jeff (Brittney) Hatcher, Kelly (Matthew) Gencarelli, Matthew (Mary-Faith) Fuller, Amanda Fuller, Timothy (Joselyn) Fuller, Stephen Fuller, Kathryn Fuller (fiancé Cole Wilbricht), Jayne (Timo) Betina, Timothy Jaderholm, Daniel (Amy) Jaderholm.  Proud great-grandpa of: Samantha and Juliette Darnell, Jack Hatcher, Francis Gencarelli, Joseph and Michael Fuller, Julia and Bobby Fuller, Sylvi and Svea Betina. Sister Evelyn (Duane) Brooks, brother Bruce (Dorothy) Olson, and many nieces and nephews; friend of many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision https://www.worldvision.org/donate, one of Bob's favorite Christian missionary organizations.