Jim & Dolly Olson

James “Jim” Clayton Leonard Olson, 80, of Rockford passed away Thursday, July 23, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. His wife, Dolly “Linda” Lou Olson joined him on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Jim was born on August 23, 1939 in Rockford to Peter H. and Margaret (Kinnunen) Olson. Dolly was born on August 4, 1951 in Belvidere to Oris Clayton and Elizabeth (Austin) Knutson. They married on May 6, 1978 in Rockford. Jim was employed as a boiler operator for several years. Dolly retired as a director of nursing. Jim loved music, being an accomplished pianist, organist, accordion player and playing in a band. Dolly loved sewing, quilting and baking, especially nissua bread. Both Jim and Dolly enjoyed spending time at Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Dolly enjoyed looking at all of the waterfalls in the area. Jim and Dolly were devoted “Yoopers.” Jim also was a connoisseur of breakfast, especially of doughnuts. He was known by many as a walking encyclopedia. Another pastime Dolly greatly enjoyed was shopping. Though Jim was a Chicago Bear fan, Dolly was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan. Most of all, Jim and Dolly enjoyed spending time with their family, that was their first priority. We know they will be missed by all, but as Jim would say they are having “Fun at the Club” now and as Dolly would say, “love you to the moon and back!”

Survivors include, children, Mindy Long, Cindy Gaffney, Daniel (Teresa) Olson, Jaimi (Mike) Hobart, Clay (Maybon) Pollock, Jarrod Pollock, Helen (Klaus) Mamonova, Steven Wooley; grandchildren, Andrew, Aimee, Mike (Hilary), Tony (Nicole), Andrea (Jordan), Dekoda, Kaitlin, Kristofer, Reagan, Jacob, Avery, C.J., Samantha, Cobratty, Angel, Ellie, Christina; great grandchildren, Millie, M.J., Anthony, Makenzie, Emillie, Oliver, Skyler; Dolly’s siblings, Cheryl (Tom) Long, Sue Knutson, Bobby (Diane) Knutson, Kevin (Gabe) Knutson; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Dolly’s and Jim’s parents; children, Kathy Olson, Ray Pollock; and Jim’s sister, Connie Ripley.

Memorial visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2020 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park. Private family services are to be held. Please follow social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC, and wear a mask.

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