Elmer T. Olson, age 98, a resident of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center in Rockford, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.

Elmer was born in Sweden on April 13, 1919 to Elof and Tilda Olson. He came to the U.S. through Ellis Island, moving to the Austin area of Chicago in 1925. He attended Austin High School, Northwestern University and the Walton School of Commerce and received the University of Illinois CPA certificate in 1950. He enlisted in the US Army during WWII and became a first lieutenant. In 1939, while still in high school he met Marion Jones and they were married on New Year's Eve 1943 while he was in the service. After discharge in 1946, they lived in Austin where they lovingly raised two sons, Robert and Richard. They then moved to Westchester where the boys grew up.

He helped start Compassion International and maintained the financial records, served as a board member and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Elmer played an active part in the Fairhaven community, serving as chairman of a residents board, and enjoyed his time living there, establishing many close friends.

In 1968, they moved to Mt. Prospect and became active member of the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church where they had many dear friends. He was active with Christian Business Men's Committee.

He retired in 1982 from Chemplex in Rolling Meadows and enjoyed spending winters in Naples, Florida. He was an active golfer until recently, was proud of his hole-in-one and enjoyed church golf leagues with many of his friends.

Over the years he has been an active member of Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, the First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida and at First Free Church of Rockford.

He is survived by two sons, Robert (Judy) Olson of Wheaton and Richard (Sue) of Wheaton, seven grandchildren, Evan (Christine), Brig, Kyle (Candice), Karly, Drew (Lauren), Dane and Lars, and four great-granddaughters, Sienna, Anabelle, Anastasia, and Athena.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marion, and his parents.

A service will be held on Monday, July 31 at 11:00 at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton. Friends may visit with family from 9:00 until the time of service at 11:00. Interment will be held privately at Glen Oak Cemetery in Hillside.

Memorials may be directed to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921.

Information and on-line guest book is available at Hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.