Gregory A. Olson

Gregory A. Olson, age 62, of Gladstone, Illinois, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, October 8, 2014. He was born on June 2, 1952 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Arthur E. and Carolyn M. (West) Olson. He attended school in Henderson County and Graduated from Union High School with the Class of 1970. Greg was also a graduate of the Denver Automotive and Diesel College in 1972. On June 30, 1984, Greg married Jill Lawler in Gladstone, Illinois and she is surviving. He began work with his father and grandfather on the family grain and livestock farm in Henderson County. He was later employed by his grandfather at Olson Roofing Company, working as a journeyman roofer and vice-president of the company. Greg was then employed by BNSF for a number of years as a journeyman machinist. He also established and owned Olson Karts in Gladstone where he manufactured and sold racing carts worldwide. Greg was the innovator of the WKA Champ cart, the X frame design, and the newest designs in Go-Kart racing. Lastly, he worked at Case International as a welder to the present. Greg is survived by his wife Jill, two sons, Jacob Olson and Colin Olson of Gladstone, his mother, Carolyn Olson of Gladstone, his sister, Rosemary Leigh (Dan) Pirtle of Burlington, Iowa, one brother, Scott Olson of Gladstone, and a number of other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father. Services:A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Turnbull Funeral Home in Biggsville, Illinois. Greg's family has established a memorial fund for his son's education.