John E. Olson

John E. Olson, 78 of Joy, died Friday, July 6, 2018 at his home. Funeral Services will be Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Burial will be in Buffalo Prairie Cemetery, Buffalo Prairie, Illinois. Visitation is Monday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Buffalo Prairie Fire Department.

John was born on November 20, 1939 in Davenport, Iowa to Earl O. & Florence (Boruff) Olson. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. On September 18, 1965 he married Martha Kessler in Buffalo Prairie.

John dedicated his life to farming, where he tended his cattle. John enjoyed seeing the rewards of his hard work through the windshield of his combine. He was also Road Commissioner for Buffalo Prairie Township for 38 years. He was a dedicated family man who never missed his grandchildren’s events. John was also a longtime volunteer of the Buffalo Prairie Fire Department.

Those left to cherish John’s memory include his wife, Martha; Children: Michelle & Joe Hall and Rob & Tammy Olson, all of Illinois City; Grandchildren: Ashley, Danielle and Jeri Hall; Jordan Hall & fiancé, Cody Bartell; Jake Olson and Brittany Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents.