Kenneth {Kenny} Anthony Olson was born in Panama Iowa to Arthur and Lena Olson. He was child number 10 out of 14 children born to Art & Lena.
Kenny enlisted in the Air Force in July 1954. He told stories about riding a bus to New York City and was dropped off and had to find his way to the Air Force Base. Kenny was trained in radio intelligence and served in the 6914th Electronic Security Squadron. He was honorably discharged in April 1958.
Dad’s sister-in-law, Lillian introduced him to the love of his life, Ralpha Catlett. Kenny had a classic 1950’s pompadour hair style and per Ralpha, he spent a lot of time in front of a mirror making sure it looked perfect. Kenny and Ralpha were married July 29, 1961. They raised three daughters, Brenda, Kelly, and Shane.
Kenny moved the family from Topeka, Kansas to Harlan Iowa in 1970. Kenny was eventually hired at Harlan Municipal Utilities where he worked at the water plant. Kenny was eventually promoted to Chief Water Plant Operator. Kenny loved giving tours of the water plant to schoolchildren. He was a perfectionist in all he did, which could be both a blessing and a curse if you lived with him or helped him put up tree stands. Kenny retired from HMU in June of 1999. He enjoyed 27 years of retirement.
In his younger years Kenny loved to bow hunt deer, fish, pheasant and quail hunt, and spend time outdoors. Kenny was fondly remembered by his friends as K.O. Kenny later learned to golf and was frequently seen at Rosman Glendale Farms Golf Course. He loved to golf with family, friends, his grandsons and great grandsons. He also participated in senior league tournaments. One of Kenny’s hobbies was making airplanes from balsa wood and rice paper for members of his family.
Out of Kenny’s many accomplishments, his greatest joys were spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Kenny never missed a moment letting his family know he loved them. It was one of his greatest legacies.
Kenny was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and moved to Hansen House in April 2025. Kenny passed away at Hansen House on Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art & Lena, wife, Ralpha, grandson, Nicholas, and 11 siblings. Left to cherish his memory are daughters Brenda {partner Kent Huckins), Kelly (Ned Peters), grandchildren Brook Rose (Eric) Cassey Reese (fiancé Ben Spurgeon), Adam Peters, Dalton Steffen ( Ellie), Dakota Steffen (partner Chuck Smith), great grandchildren Ethan Leinen (Shawna), Chandler Leinen, Evan Leinen (fiancé Zophie Henricks), Reichan Rose (partner Cassidy Erlbacher), Jaxson Smith, Avacyn Steffen, Kassiden Steffen, great great grandchildren Beckett Leinen and Raelynn Rose, siblings Marilyn Johnson and Richard Olson, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
