January 14, 1945 – September 4, 2025
Clear Lake- Robert Francis Olsen, 80, passed peacefully from this life, surrounded by love, on September 4, 2025, at Good Shepherd in Mason City. Born January 14, 1944, to Walter and Josephine (Prudhon) Olsen in Charles City, Iowa.
As his mother was a teacher, he grew up first in Waterloo, then Fort Dodge, graduating from Cherokee High. Then nearby Buena Vista College in Storm Lake was where he graduated summa cum laude, majoring in mathematics, with a double minor in physics and chemistry. After practice teaching in Spencer, his first actual teaching position took place before graduating from college, as the college loaned him out to the local Catholic high school to fill a mid-year vacancy, as a community favor.
First thing after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Marietta Simons, on August 2, 1967, celebrating 58 years of marriage together. But the number (of years) he preferred was ’63,’ which is the number of years since they first began dating, on June 6, 1962.
Robert’s first official teaching position was at nearby Aurelia, where he taught junior high science for a few years. Meantime, he was also starting farming, small-time. IRS in Mason City was his next career, followed by a stint as bookkeeper and guide at Canada North Resort in Ontario. This was followed by farming at Kanawha, Iowa. Eventually his severe scoliosis, among other back problems, caused an early retirement for Robert.
Robert always enjoyed fishing wherever he went, liked to travel, and took quite an interest in WW2 lore, as he was named after his cousin who had been killed in WW2. He was also enamored of the Roosevelts; Teddy, Eleanor, but especially Franklin.
Declining health saw a move to Clear Lake for the past 30 years. While there, he was always learning, always keen to find out something he hadn’t previously known. Folks will remember him riding about town on his electric bike.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marietta, brother-in-law Kenneth Simons, sister-in-law Shirley Simons, nieces Deborah Simons, DeAnn (Matthew) Reaves, Lorie (Chris) Ruybal, as well as great-nieces and nephews, and by great-great nephews and niece. Also, cousins in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arkansas, and Iowa, and a special friend, Gary Gerdes.
Robert was preceded by parents, beloved sister-in-law, Betty Jean Moulton, brother-in-law, Stephen Moulton, and several cousins.
Heartfelt gratitude goes out to hospice and the staff at Good Shepherd for their kindness and caring, and to Pastor Jason Reynolds for all he has done for Robert as well.
A future memorial service is expected to be held at Clear Lake Baptist Church.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 First Ave. North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193.
colonialchapels.com