Kenneth W. Oleson Obituary (1938 - 2019)

Kenneth W. Oleson, 81, of Bloomington, passed away at 11:09 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2019 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. His memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bloomington. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, ISU or Faith in Action. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements. He was born January 9, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa, a son of Carl and Rita Smith Oleson. He married Sharon L. Carroll on June 9, 1956 and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Kim (Thomas) Arnold of Ashland City, TN, Kurt (Carolyn) Oleson of Bloomington, Julie (Mark) Boge of Reno, NV and Jenny (Greg) Allen of Bloomington. "Poppie" lovingly leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren (with another on the way); and a brother, Karl (Mary Kay) Oleson of Festus, MO. He was preceded in death by two sons, Scott Oleson and Paul Oleson; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Oleson; and a brother, Gary Oleson. Ken was a graduate of Loras College and retired as a manager in the Internal Audit Department from State Farm Insurance Companies in 2000 after thirty-eight years of employment. He enjoyed a long- term role in the Institute of Internal Auditors. He belonged to St. Mary's Catholic Church for over 55 years, taking an active role as a parish council member and was influential in the restoration of St. Joseph Cemetery. In addition, Ken was a driver for Faith in Action. He was a long-time supporter of ISU athletics and enjoyed sports of all kinds. You could always find him in attendance at all his grandchildren's activities cheering them on! A heartfelt thank-you to the many doctors, nurses and staff at Advocate BroMenn in the ICU. To express condolences or share your memories, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com