James "Steve" Steven Olson

James “Steve” Olson, 83, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marion, with visitation one hour prior to services. Private Family Burial will take place at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Steve was born on March 7, 1943, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Earl and Guinevere (Bowers) Olson. He was a graduate of Marshalltown High School and attended Iowa State University before transferring to the University of Northern Iowa, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree. On June 17, 1967, Steve was united in marriage to Madelyn Sue Peters in Calamus, Iowa.

Steve’s career as a math teacher spanned nearly four decades. From 1966 to 1978, he served the Parkersburg School community, and following that, he brought his passion for mathematics to Linn-Mar, teaching there from 1978, until his retirement in 2004. Early in his career, Steve worked various summer jobs at Pioneer Seed Company, Highway Crew, and house painting.

Steve had many hobbies and interests. He was a collector of license plates, coins, stamps, and comic books. His love for trains and motorcycle riding added adventure to his days, while his knack for junk yarding and fixing things revealed a practical and thoughtful spirit. He enjoyed browsing garage sales, always looking for that hidden treasure. Some of his greatest joys were teaching, eating black licorice and Norwegian Christmas meals, listening to country music, solving sudoku puzzles, playing poker and 500. Steve took pride in his involvement with various organizations including the Boy Scouts, ROTC, ISEA, NEA, NRA, and ALPCA. Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Steve is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Madelyn Olson; three children, Sara Zahrt of Atkins, Jay (Brenda) Olson of Robins, and Jenni Stark of Marion; and six grandchildren, Olivia and Aaron Zahrt, Shelby and Zoey Olson, and Brittan and Matthew Stark.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, JoAnn Stewart.