George Oleson

George Wesley Oleson, 96, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Wesley Heritage House in Atlantic.

He was born October 3, 1928, in Kingsley, Iowa, to Henry L. and F. Agnes (Knight) Oleson. George attended Kingsley Public Schools and graduated in the Class of 1948. Following graduation, he started working for a paving company, Boothe & Olson, until being drafted into the United States Army. George served during the Korean War from 1951-1953, and after his obligation to service was complete, he was honorably discharged. One of his favorite off-duty memories was picking and eating the blueberries from the fields while being stationed in Newfoundland. 

George married Barbara McKeehan on September 13, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa. To this union two daughters were born, Chris and Deb.

While working for Fred Carlson’s paving crew, he met Gladys Mullen who ran the Chatterbox Café in Avoca, Iowa. The couple married on January 13, 1968, and lived in Atlantic for a short time before moving to Griswold. During this time, he worked for Walnut Grove in the livestock feed manufacturing department, retiring after 25 years. George and Gladys had an interest in antiques and enjoyed going to auctions. Gladys bought and sold dishes at which time George became a “professional packer” making sure that nothing was ever broken. The family vacations always centered around fishing and antique shopping.

George took a great amount of pride in maintaining his yard. Gladys loved plants, especially rose bushes which he had the patience to prune just the way she wanted. In 1976, they moved to Atlantic and the care for his yard continued and more rose bushes were planted. This is also when he found a new hobby of feeding the birds and squirrels. George was such a gentle soul that he could almost get the squirrels to eat from the palm of his hand. Even after George moved to the care center they continued to be fed and he looked forward to seeing photos of them. 

George is survived by his two daughters, Christine Chamberlain and Deb Kessler and her husband, Don; grandson, Mitch (Sam) Hoeck; granddaughters, Kayla (friend, James Saltkill) Kessler and Amanda (Dylan) Russell; and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. and F. Agnes Oleson; wife, Gladys; former spouse, Barbara; and many of Gladys’ extended family.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 14th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 15th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial will be in the Victoria Cemetery, south of Massena, Iowa, following a time of lunch and fellowship at the funeral home.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for George’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.