White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – John M. Olsen, 84 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center of Independence – West in Independence.  He was born on July 16, 1930, in Independence, the son of Chancey and Doris (Cook) Olsen.  He graduated from high school in Quasqueton, Iowa, with the Class of 1948.  During the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Navy.  On April 23, 1952, he and the former Adelaida Andrada were married at Olangapo, Philippines.  When they returned to the United States, Mr. Olsen farmed and also worked at John Deere Co. in Waterloo, Iowa. When he retired in 1987, he was an inspector at the northeast site.  Mr. Olsen was a member of the U.A.W. Local #838 and Cedar Rock American Legion Post #434.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping.

Mr. Olsen is survived by his wife of 62 years, Adelaida, 2 daughters, Margaret Beier of Winthrop, Iowa, and Mitzi Michael of Independence, 1 son, Roger (Denise) Olsen of Winthrop, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by 1 brother, Mahlon “Bud” Olsen of Independence, and 2 sisters, Jean Postel of Independence and Margaret Lou Miller of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson, Chancey in infancy, and 1 sister, Marie Marter.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Rev. Marty Schminkey officiating.  Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20^th, at the funeral home.