Joseph R. Olson, 87, of Creston, IL, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 at DeKalb County
Rehab and Nursing Center. He was born on Oct. 15, 1921 in Steward, IL, the son of
Orden and Susie (Johnson) Olson. He married Pauline C. Griffith on Aug. 28. 1949 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lee, and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2005. He was a lifelong farmer, and also worked at the Creston Grain Elevator, and then the Rochelle Community Hospital in maintenance, retiring in 1990. Also preceding him in death were 5 brothers: Clarion, Harland, Peter, Alvin, Donald and a sister: Genevieve Olson.
Joe was a member of the Creston Booster Club, the DeKalb Elks Club, Calvary Lutheran Church and the Church Bowling League. He enjoyed golfing with his brothers and grandchildren and playing Euchre.

Survivors include 2 sons: Kenneth (Deb) Olson of De Forest, WI and Jerry (Connie) Olson
of Lee, a daughter: Wendy Martinson of Sycamore, IL; 9 grandchildren: Kelly (Sergio) Ramos,
Dustin Olson, Tiffany (Scot Pless) Moore, Jeromy (Sara) Olson, Jennifer (Jed) Erickson, Amanda Olson, Sarah Olson, Scott Martinson and Joe Martinson; 9 great grandchildren; a sister: Violet "Toots" Olson of Rochelle; sister-in-laws: Donna Olson of Rochelle, Louise Olson and Helen Olson both of Malta.

Services will be at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lee, IL at 2:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009
with Rev. Wayne Derber. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:00 PM prior to the service at
the church on Friday. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Steward. IL. In Lieu of flowers, memorials to the Calvary Lutheran Church or to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders.
Arrangements by Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle.