Douglas R. Olson

Funeral Services and Interment for Douglas Russell Olson, 64, of Arlington Heights since 1985, formerly of Schaumburg, will be privately held by the family at a later date.

Douglas was born March 8, 1957 in Chicago, and passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Douglas was the beloved husband of Christina F. Olson (nee Gladieux); loving father of Daniel Austin Olson, Christopher David Olson and Michael Lee Olson; dear son of the late Robert and Lorraine (nee Quinn) Olson; fond brother of Lauren (Paul) Hespen, Chris (Kelly) Olson, Debbie (Chris) Ewert and Mark (Vicky) Olson.

Doug was voted the Best Damn Plumbing and Hardware Sales Manager in the contiguous 48 states by his family and friends (and imaginary friends). Doug could often be found mowing the lawn in 42-year old painting shorts and singing to himself about Hung-Noo-Noo-Noo-Nay and other nonsense.

He played for the Chicago Minor Hawks and Captained the U.S. Jr. Olympic Hockey team as a teenager before playing for the Pickering Panthers in Canada, St. Louis University and finally Bowling Green State University.  He banged the drums better than Ringo Starr and couldn’t understand why Springsteen never responded to all his cold calls.  He attended the Indy 500 for 40+ consecutive years regardless of whether it fell on his wife’s birthday or not.  He nicknamed every person, place, and thing he laid eyes on (probably even you!).

Doug’s haven was his home- especially his backyard- and there’s nothing he’d rather be doing for his 65th than aerating the lawn in his homemade strap-on boots.  He was a kind and fiercely passionate man who put his family first until the day he died.  Our hearts are broken.  He is truly irreplaceable, but he will live on through all of us as long as we remember what he stood for.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Doug Olson Memorial Youth Hockey Scholarship fund C/O the Olson Family.

“So long again, everybody!”