Thomas R Olson

Thomas R. Olson, 71, of Sherrard, IL, died Thursday, February 12, 2015, at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Foley, AL.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015, at Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd., 1301 4th Street, Orion. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sherrard Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sherrard Fire Dept. or to a charity of your choice.

Thomas was born on July 25, 1943, in Moline, IL, the son of Roy Edward and Georgia Hallene Olson. He married Eileen Davis on February 17, 1962, in Preemption, IL. He worked as an electrician for Farmall and later for Trinity Medical Center in Rock Island, IL, retiring in March of 2007.

Thomas was with the Sherrard Fire Dept. for 20 years, serving as the Fire Chief for 11 years. He was also a former Sherrard town board member.

He was a lover of life, unique characters and a proud citizen of Sherrard. All of which helped him as fire chief and as an electrical foreman. Despite his time in management he was a strong supporter of unions, held few pretentions, and was unobtrusive in all of his actions. He was always held in high regard; his advice was never freely given, but was of great value when actively sought out.

While a student athlete at Sherrard, Tom had an interesting encounter with a future NFL player. A story which has always brought glee to his former teammates. Later in life Tom took up golf, once acing a hole at a local course. He enjoyed pointing out his resemblance to Craig Stadler, and spending time with his fellow golfers. Tom was an avid gardener; he enjoyed "grazing" in the garden with his grandchildren. He enjoyed planting and discovering the tastes of less common vegetables and tended a variety of flowers around his home and deck area.

The great event of Tom's life was marrying Eileen Davis. He was encouraged in this endeavor by his father who insisted, "She's too good for ya." With these words of encouragement ringing in his ears, Tom spent the next 53 years hoping she wouldn't find out. Although he frequently had difficulty in expressing his emotions his family was very aware how much he loved them. His dry sense of humor, and understated sensibility will be greatly missed, by all.


Survivors include his loving wife, Eileen
Children Michael Olson Sherrard, IL
ZoAnne Olson Sherrard, IL
Grandchildren BriAnna Olson New York, NY
Kane Olson Sherrard, IL
Justine Ewing Sherrard, IL
Brother David (Bonnie) Olson Naperville, IL
Sisters Daye Ann (Mike) Hendricks Rock Island, IL
Sandra (Robert) Gustafson Rock Island, IL
Sisters-in-law Ruth (Ron) Fultz Rock Island, IL
Nina Davis Scottsdale, AZ
Brother-in-law Chuck (Evie) Krahl Scottsdale, AZ
Several nieces and nephews


He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step mother who raised him, Alice Olson.

Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.