Search by Name

Search by Name

Norman L. Olson Jr.

1927 - 2018

Norman L. Olson Jr. obituary, 1927-2018, Chicago, IL

Norman Olson Obituary

Olson, Jr., Norman L. Norman L. Olson, Jr., 90, died on May 16, 2018 surrounded by his family. He enjoyed a full and rich life as a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born June 17, 1927 in Oak Park, Illinois, he was the eldest son of Norman Louis and Helen Wickman Olson. He had three brothers, Gerald G. (deceased), Donald H. (81) and Jon W. "Jack" (deceased). He grew up in Park Ridge and attended Maine Township High School. There he excelled in academics, sports and various high school organizations. Norm served in the Navy upon graduation from high school. He also witnessed and rejoiced in the last century's Cubs world championship in 1945. He graduated from Williams College, class of 1950, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He was a varsity athlete in football and was elected President of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In 2000, he was selected by his classmates to be President of his 1950 class at their 50th reunion. In 1951, he married Anna Hopkins Brodie who was a 1951 Smith College graduate. They initially lived in California but moved permanently back to Illinois where he entered the University of Illinois College of Law in 1954. With Ann, he had four children: Kristine Ann (1952), David Douglas (1955), Jon Brodie (1958) and Todd Norman (1962). The family lived in Northfield and all four children attended New Trier High School. In 1976, Ann died of complications from leukemia after a 3 year battle. Her courage and selflessness fortified her family during that difficult time. Norm rose to the challenges of being a single parent. In 1980, Norm married Katherine Laun Hodgson whose children were Christopher Laun Hodgson (1964), Mark Girard Hodgson (1966) and Margot Dunn Hodgson (1967). Norm and his expanded family delighted in long summer days at their beach home in White Lake, Michigan. He passed on his love of skiing, fishing, hiking and the Great American West from their home in Snowmass, Colorado. Norm's legal career began at the LaSalle Street firm Ashcraft, Olson, Beach, Kimball, Alexander and Edmonds. He was initially a generalist, but his practice gravitated towards corporate law, estates and trusts. He made partner in 1960. In 1978, he left the firm to be the founder of what was then called Olson & Hoffman. In 1996, O&H was renamed Olson, Grabill and Hoffman. Then in 2001, the firm took its present name Olson, Grabill and Flitcraft. He also served several local municipalities and was on the Board of Trustees of the Village of Northfield, Elk Grove Park District and Park Ridge Park District. Norm had a deep love of music and was an accomplished piano player. In the 1960s he was an active participant in the musical group "Off the Ground" and loved to play the piano at any venue or event where he was able to persuade his way onto the keyboard. In August 2004, Norm suffered a severe stroke. He became a star patient at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. With his trademark determination, he relearned how to walk. While the stroke would impact the remainder of his life, his family and friends recall his great zest for life and his indomitable spirit. On his 90th birthday, he entertained family and friends with a confident and generous perspective that belied his disability. He is survived by Katie and their children and spouses, together with 15 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and countless canine buddies: Erik and Mike (Kris), Charlie, Annie and Brodie (Dave and Mimi), Gunnar, Elsa and Jack (Jon), Taylor, Griffin and Stephanie (Todd and Leslie), (Chris and Kathy), Will, Owen and Graham (Mark and Christine), Wilson (Margot and Jack) and great-granddaughter Charlotte (Erik and Rachel). He also loved and was loved by his nieces and nephews from the Olson, Brodie, Jannotta, Hart, Hummel and Tukey families. He was also devoted to Katie's sister Gina Laun Jannotta and her extended family. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) in memory of Norman L. Olson, Jr., Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, https://www.sralab.org/give A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on June 21, 2018 at Kenilworth Union Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 21, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Olson

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





Sharon Sweeney Bourke

June 13, 2018

Kris, David, Jon and Tod, I was so sorry to hear of your Father's death. Although it's been many years since I have seen all the Olsons, I have great memories of my family being neighbors to your family in Northfield . Many years of babysitting for the four of you and going up to Bear Lake. Please know you are in my prayers.

May 21, 2018

When someone we love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Therefore, cherish the times spent with loved ones-draw strength from the love of family and friends-and may God's word and his loyal love comfort you and help you through this difficult time, in Jesus name Amen. Psalms 119:76.

Cynthia Cooke

May 21, 2018

Todd, Kris, Dave and Jon, I'm sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We have many many wonderful memories of our families together in Northfield. Sincerely, Cynthia Cooke

May 21, 2018

Please take comfort in the the message at 21:3,4. W.S.

Jane Brodie Belanger

May 21, 2018

What a great life he led!! So honored to be a part of it. Uncle Norm was always there to help and give encouragement. He will be missed!

May 21, 2018

My sympathies, I well know the pain and sorrow of losing a dear loved one. So I pray Norman is forever blessed with everlasting life and happiness! (John 17:3)

AP,

David and Althea

May 21, 2018

Dear Katie please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Matthew 5:4

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Norman Olson's name

Memorial Events
for Norman Olson

Jun

21

Memorial service

5:00 p.m.

Kenilworth Union Church

IL

How to support Norman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Norman Olson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more