Myron Allen Olson

Myron Allen Olson, 91, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on March 12, 2025, at Northbrook Manor Care Center.

He was born on Nov. 5, 1933, in Forest City, Iowa, and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1951. Myron continued his education at NIACC in Mason City before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged early to return to his family farm in Clear Lake, assisting his mother due to his father’s declining health.

On Sept. 4, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Nickerson, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and education. After their marriage, Myron enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, earning his degree in education. He spent many years teaching in Fertile, Ventura, Clear Lake, and Charles City. Later, he pursued further studies at UNI, earning a degree to teach children with special needs. Following retirement, he and Arlene ran an in-home daycare and following their move, served as a substitute teacher in the Cedar Rapids area.

Myron and Arlene were blessed with a son, Gerald Olson of Cedar Rapids, and a daughter, Wendy Dunn of Palo. They were very active in the Foster Care program which led them to welcome a daughter, Traci of Cedar Rapids, and a son, Keith of Des Moines. Myron was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Faith played a central role in Myron and Arlene’s lives, and they were actively involved in church programs and activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dean; his sisters, Marlyn Rosendal (Dorance) and Joyce Cooper; nephews, Shawn and Steve; niece, Sandy; and great-niece, Molly.

Myron will be greatly missed by his wife, family, friends, and community.

Memorials may be directed to Wendy Dunn, PO Box 52, Palo, Iowa, 52324, to fund a granite ground plaque honoring his teaching career, to be placed at Central Gardens of North Iowa in Clear Lake, Iowa.