Linda Ann Olson

Linda Ann (Rhea) Olson, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Friday, August 28, 2026, at UnityPoint Hospice in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with Linda’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services held at this time. A Private Family Committal will take place at a later date at North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Linda was born on October 8, 1953, in Fort Dodge, one of two children to Vincent and Lucille (Nedderman) Rhea. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1971 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa. On August 17, 1974, Linda was united in marriage, to her high school sweetheart, Alan Gene Olson. They made their home together in Cedar Rapids, where they shared 52 years of marriage, countless memories, and a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Linda dedicated more than 40 years of her life to nursing, working at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, the VA Hospital in Iowa City, Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, and the Linn County Jail in Cedar Rapids. She also was employed as a nurse at Winslow House, Higley Mansion, and Willow Gardens. She especially enjoyed caring for veterans and geriatric patients, and the relationships she formed with the people she cared for were an important part of her life.

Linda was ‘one of a kind’. She was spunky, mischievous, and always ready for a good laugh. She had a fun personality and a way of bringing humor into everyday life. She loved her family dearly, especially her many nieces and nephews, and she cherished her beloved dog, Jax. After retiring from nursing, Linda kept busy with a variety of jobs and adventures. She worked as a cake decorator and even spent time as a lunch lady, proof that retirement or her health was never going to slow her down for long. During retirement, Linda and Alan enjoyed spending their winters together completing jigsaw puzzles. They also shared a love of travel, flying to destinations such as Hawaii and making frequent trips to Las Vegas. Linda especially enjoyed the comfort and hospitality of a nice room, room service, and, of course, great food.

Linda had a wonderful sense of humor and a mischievous streak that her family will never forget. On one memorable flight home from Hawaii, Linda enjoyed herself a little too much and somehow ended up on the airport baggage carousel, enthusiastically throwing luggage off the conveyor, including both her own and other people's bags. It was very much the kind of story that could only happen to Linda.

She also had a special love for the movie ‘A Christmas Story’, which she watched every Christmas. Her sense of humor was perfectly captured one year when she showed up unexpectedly at her brother Bob's house with a Christmas wreath made entirely of Peeps-his favorite candy—with the face of Mikey from A Christmas Story right in the middle. It was ridiculous, hilarious, and completely Linda.

Linda faced many health battles throughout her life and, true to her nature, she fought through every one of them with strength and determination. She was a fighter until the very end.

Linda will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered - not only for the years she spent caring for others, but for the laughter and memories she left behind with the people who loved her most.

She is survived by her loving husband, Alan Olson; her brother, Robert "Bob" Rhea of Marion; two sisters-in-law, Lyn (David) Hepperly of Fort Dodge, and Heather (Ben) Hitt of Humeston, Iowa; two brothers-in-law, Dana (Marilyn) Olson of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and Eric Olson of Fort Dodge; her beloved dog, Jax; and her many nieces and nephews, who were so fortunate to have Linda's love, laughter, and unforgettable personality in their lives.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Lucille Rhea.

Memorials in Linda’s memory may be directed to the Allsop Family Humane Society (formerly known as the Cedar Valley Humane Society), located at 7411 Mt. Vernon Road SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 or www.allsophumane.org.