Raymond Olson

Raymond J. Olson was born July 29, 1935, at home in Jackson County, MN. His parents were Donald Arthur Olson and Winifred (Gravley) Olson. Raymond spent his youth making memories with 4 siblings on various farms in Jackson County, MN and Clay County IA. He graduated from Royal (IA) High School and maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates.

As a young man, Ray served in the Marine Corps, performing guard duty and driving supplies to the front lines during the Korean War and then was stationed in the Philippine Islands until his discharge in June of 1956. Following military service, Ray landed in Des Moines, IA, and worked as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He joined the Des Moines Fire Department in March of 1961, serving as a firefighter (known as Ole) for the City of Des Moines for 33 years, until his retirement in 1994.

Ray enjoyed dancing, gardening, travel, and time spent in conversation with family and friends.  Ray never met a stranger. He loved people and loved learning their life stories, interests, hardships and accomplishments. Ray was compassionate. He helped people whenever he saw a need. He truly followed in Jesus’ footsteps and set an example for all of us to follow.

Ray was a man who loved Jesus. His catchphrase was “Everything’s Gonna Be All Right”.  Because he knew Jesus, he was assured of his place in heaven and he knew that at the end of this life, he has a beautiful eternal life with Jesus. Ray was a member of Easton Place United Methodist Church and had mentored youth and enjoyed bible study and fellowship with his friends there.

Ray’s most cherished memories were time spent with family - reunions with cousins, trips to Oklahoma to visit in-laws, and family gatherings with his kids and grandkids. He cherished watching the grandkids grow and learn and was a strong believer in letting kids be kids. Just ask them, they could do about anything at Grandpa Ray’s house growing up!

Ray died Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025, at home with his wife, Carol by his side. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronald Marlin Olson; brothers, James and Orville Olson; sister and brother-in law, Evelyn and Leslie Kirkman; sister-in-law and brother-in law, Velma and Richard Froese; and 3 grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carol Ann (Cronk) Olson; sons John Raymond (Shari) Olson and Donald Arthur (Marla) Olson; daughter, Kimberly Sue (Dale) Thede; stepsons, Matthew and Mark Kellar; stepdaughter, Lori (Jerry) Wickman; brother, Alvin (Sheryl) Olson; sisters- in- law, Nelda Olson and Suzette Olson; brother-in-law, Charles (Carol) Cronk; 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Easton Place United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice in Rays’ memory.

Ray would want all of the grandchildren to remember, “Grandpa Ray loves you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, mm mm!”

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at the Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Rd. Des Moines, at 10:30 am.  His committal of cremated remains will be held at the Iowa Veteran Cemetery at 2 pm the same day.  He will receive Military Honors from the Marines, and a bell ringing ceremony from the Des Moines Fire Department.

Here is the link to the live stream of Raymonds service: Celebration Of Life for Raymond Olson on Vimeo. Following the service it will be a recording.