Carl Olson

Carl Bernard Olson (sometimes called Tex) was called to our Heavenly Father on June 13, 2018 at the age of 95. He was born January 19, 1923 in San Antonio, Texas to Olle and Violet Olson. He grew up in Massachusetts during the Depression years and enlisted in the Army during WWII. He served in the Air Corps as his father had done in WWI. During his Army training days, he met his future in a young lady at the USO in St. Louis. He married Lucille Otte in 1945 and loved her for over 45 years until her death in 1990.

After the war, he studied Electrical Engineering and earned a Bachelor of Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology. For a few years he taught high school and college during the school year and picked blueberries and apples in the summer.

Eventually he secured a job in the aerospace industry. That led him to New Jersey, St. Louis and eventually to Southern California. His career had started in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator on transport planes. In St. Louis he worked on Phantom F4 jets. In Southern California he worked on the Apollo space program, night vision devices, and naval radar systems.

During all those years, he and Lou raised 5 sons and he modeled compassion, respect, honesty and love. For years he was actively involved with his sons as a leader in the Boy Scouts. He shared his love of nature during numerous family camping trips across the USA exploring the country, visiting relatives, and forming lasting memories.

In 1991, he started a new chapter in his life with Mary Rambo-Gentle. They moved to Jerome, Idaho where they enjoyed 27 years of marriage until his death. During that time, he helped Mary raise her children and grandchildren. He was active at St. Jerome Catholic Church, was a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of the American Legion.

Throughout his life, he was a man of faith, a loving father, devoted husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a good friend to many.

Carl is survived by his five sons, Glenn, Gene, Lee, Gregg, Gary; 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his wife, Mary Lu; her daughter, Teresa; and three grandchildren.

May you Rest In Peace and look over us as we continue our journey. We will miss you but carry you in our hearts and thoughts forever.

A vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, Sunday, July 15, 2018 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 216 2nd Ave E, Jerome. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 am, Monday, July 16, 2018 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church with full Military Honors. A brunch will follow in the parish hall.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #8780 at St. Jerome’s.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Carl’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.