Norman A. Olson, age 69, a resident of Glen Ellyn, IL, died May 20, 2017, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born July 12, 1947 in Fairmont, MN.

Norm treasured his growing up years in southern Minnesota. He loved to reminisce about his childhood. After graduating from Fairmont High School, Norm went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Christian Education at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota. As a student, he worked as the librarian. That experience led him to Anaheim, California where he taught in a Christian high school and brought the school library up to accreditation standards. While in California, he earned a masters in Christian Education at Talbot Theological Seminary. From there, he returned home to Minnesota. As he waited for the Lord's calling to a ministry, he worked for a local newspaper company in the circulation department. In 1977 he was contacted by Back to the Bible Broadcast in Lincoln, Nebraska to be assistant editor of the Confident Living Magazine. He went on to assume the role of Managing Editor, and it was there that he met and married his beloved wife, Betsy Schmidt. While in Nebraska Lisa and Seth were born. In 1988, the family moved to Illinois, and Norm accepted the position of Senior Editor of the Baptist Bulletin at Regular Baptist Press, where he served for over twenty-five years. During this time Julianna and Jeremy were born. He retired in 2015, but continued to write his Q&A column.

Norm was a man of many interests and talents. He was known for his love of books, history and patriotism. Norm was 100% Norwegian and was a proud member of Sons of Norway Polar Star Lodge. Music was a passion for him. Norm could often be found listening to his large collection of records, cassettes, and CDs of classical and sacred music while he kept his hands busy with other responsibilities. Every day Norm diligently practiced the reed organ at home to prepare for his Sunday ministry. One of Norm's favorite pastimes was to play his player piano for family and friends. What was of utmost importance to Norm was family and faith. He prayed daily for all his family and urged them all to live in a manner worthy of the Savior. Norm was a lover of truth which is why he loved teaching Adult Sunday School and writing his Q&A column.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Betsy Olson; four children, Lisa (Jonathan) Shafer, Seth (Kristina) Olson, Julianna (Matt) Smith and Jeremy Olson; four grandchildren, Micah and Ethan Shafer, and Silas and Levi Smith; his mother, Clarice Olson; seven brothers and sisters, Eldon (Diana) Olson, Carolyn (Jose) Fernandez, Myron Olson, Evelyn (Dwaine) Peterson, Sharon (Kevin) Gross, Loren (Joan) Olson, Darleen (Michael) Chapman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Olson.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church , 3S465 Briggs Ave., in Naperville, IL, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Regular Baptist Press New Testament Exposition Commentary Project *, 3715 N Ventura Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; or to the Christian Service Centers , PO Box 2374, San Antonio, TX 78298.

*Please note that if the commentary project is not able to be fully funded, gifts will be used toward the production of other RBP church ministry resources.