David K. Olson

David K. Olson affectionately known as “Davey O” and a lifelong resident of Morris, Illinois, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, surrounded by the love and laughter of family and friends.

Born on September 12, 1954, in Morris, David Kevin Olson was the third born son of Marvin "Jake" and Elizabeth "Betty" (Clennon) Olson. He was a lifelong resident of Morris, where he made his mark in more ways than one.

Dave's life was a rich tapestry of humor, kindness, and wit. He graduated with the Class of 1972 from Morris Community High School, where he not only earned his diploma but also the heart of his high school sweetheart, Patti Cromwell. The two were married on April 9, 1973, and thus began a story that spanned more than five decades, filled with three sons and countless adventures.

In 1973, Dave also began his career at Lyondell, where he worked his way up to becoming a shift supervisor, retiring after 35 years of service. Dave’s tenure at Lyondell was marked by friendships that lasted well beyond working hours and turned co-workers into lifelong friends. It was also during the mid-1980s, that Dave and Patti took on a new venture as co-owners of Jake’s on North Liberty Street, where their stint in the bar business created lifelong friends.

A sports enthusiast through and through, Dave's love for athletics was contagious. He coached little league when his boys were young and was named the Commissioner of the Little Redskins Wrestling Club, imparting his passion for sports to the next generation. In the 70s and 80s, he was a familiar face on the softball fields playing both fast pitch and slow pitch softball, and later bowled on a league with his boys. When not on the field, Dave could be found cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs or the Green Bay Packers, proving that his loyalty was as expansive as his personality.

Camping on the Fox River from 1997 to 2014 became another chapter in the adventure that was Dave's life. Countless memories and friends were made over those years, sharing his love of fishing with his nephews and grandkids instilled his love for the great outdoors and the art of the perfect catch.

Davey O lived life big. He loved big, laughed big, and left a big impression on everyone he met. His enormous heart, his gift for gab, and his endless generosity made him a friend to all and a stranger to none. Known for his quick wit and unparalleled zingers, Dave could light up a room with just his presence.

Above all, Dave was a family man. To his grandchildren, he was “Papa Dave,” the greatest fan of every sports game and dance recital. He was the tree from which his family’s roots grew deep and strong, and he never missed a chance to cheer on the Redskins or the Coalers. Even in his final days, Dave remained the true protector of his family, showing them what it means to love deeply and care for others.

Davey O leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lessons in living life to the fullest. He will be remembered as a man who never judged, who welcomed all with open arms, and who taught everyone he loved how to live big and love even bigger.

Rest easy, Davey O. You've taught us all how to live, laugh, and love with everything we've got.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Patti; three sons: Chris (Sara) Olson of Diamond, Illinois, and Keith Olson (Angie Phelps) and Craig Olson, both of Morris; seven grandchildren: Ethan, Libby and Elliot Olson of Diamond, Kaleb and Owen Olson of Morris and Kanon and Remi Olson of Woodbury, Minnesota; one brother, Chuck Olson and one sister, Janelle (Barry) Aldrich, both of Morris; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Kay Olson, Ruth Cromwell, Lynn (Bill) McGee, John Sanders, Mike (Yvonne) Sanders, Maureen Sanders, and Kevin (Robin) Sanders; nieces and nephews: Sara Olson (Wes Shaw), Justin Olson (Moriah Cosman), Andy Fillman, Maggie (Jason) Stoterau, Ben (Shannon) Olson, Jake (Emily) Olson, Drew (Heather) Aldrich, Molli Aldrich (Nick Montez), Stacey (Jon) Hassler, Shawn (Beth) McGee, Ross McGee, and Meghan (Eric) Szitasy; numerous great nieces and great nephews; several cousins including: Jeff Olson of Arizona and Jayne Udstuen of Morris, and many friends, especially: Denny Scaman, Rich Darin, Jon Siron, Tom Sokolinski, Don Jennings, Bill Chesareck, Andy Peterson, Frank Varner, Jeff Struck, Don Knapp and Roseann Tibbott.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Betty Olson; two brothers: Jim Olson and Rick Olson and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Ruth Sanders.

Cremation rites are being accorded and a private family inurnment will be in Sample Cemetery next to his brother, Rick.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of Davey-O’s life at the Morris Country Club, 2615 W. US Route 6, in Morris on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until remarks and remembrances at 7:00 p.m. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dave's memory to the NODCC (National Organization for Disorders of the Corpus Callosum) or to the charity of the donor's choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photos and share Dave’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris, Illinois. (815-942-2500)