Steven Olson obituary: Steven Olson's Obituary, Dove Topeka

In Memory Of
Steven Olson
1963 - 2016

In Memory Of
Steven Olson
1963 - 2016

Steven Michael Olson, 52, of Topeka, Kansas, after a brave and courageous struggle with cancer, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016, surrounded by love.

Steve was born on May 26, 1963, in Great Bend, Kansas. When he was six, his family moved to Topeka where he remained throughout his life. Steve is a 1981 graduate of Shawnee Heights High School and attended Washburn University for two years after high school working toward a Computer Science Degree. Steve enlisted in the US Navy, but was medically discharged due to chronic bronchitis and other medical issues.

Steve was employed at the Harry Turner Advertising Firm in Topeka as a as a computer operator/programmer and warehouse employee. From 1992 to 2001, he worked at Best Buy in Topeka as a computer/electronics repair person and salesman. In 2001, he left Best Buy to become an Information Technology Support Consultant for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, where he remained actively working, until the nature of his illness hindered his ability to work full time.

Steve had a great interest in Computer Science and was always reading about technology and would often share his knowledge of computers with others. He liked vintage computers and vintage computer games. Steve was an avid reader, who loved all thing science fiction, especially Star Trek and his favorite author, Robert Heinlein. His love for movies and TV was ever present in his conversations with others, and he would often see movies multiple times, watch vintage reruns like Daniel Boone or MASH, then buy the DVD, to add to his collection of movies. He loved all music, especially country music.

Steve took life’s challenges in stride, never complaining, and always looking for a way to laugh and throw in a quick witted comment. He loved dogs, especially Ricky and Dot. Steve treasured his friends and deeply loved his family. He is preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents. Left to cherish Steve’s memory are his mother, Beth Olson, of Topeka; father, Earl Olson (Charmaine) of Topeka; brother, Richard Olson of Berryton; sister, Mary Woods (Jack) of Lansing, Kansas; sister, Deb Brehm (Jim) of Perry, Kansas, and much loved nephews, Ethan and Jameson and nieces, Cassidy and Jenna.

Before his death, Steve wanted to express his great gratitude and appreciation for the care and kindness shown to him by Dr. Edwin Petrick, his nurse Wendy, and all the Stormont Vail Cancer Center staff. He also expressed great appreciation for the support given to him by the people that attended the Stormont Vail Cancer Center’s Monday Support Group. To honor his life, dedicate a night to Steve and watch your favorite movies.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 28th at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street in Topeka. Following the service, friends and family are encouraged to stay, share memories and continue to celebrate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s honor to the Jefferson County Friends of Hospice, 1212 Walnut Street, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.
Steven Michael Olson, 52, of Topeka, Kansas, after a brave and courageous struggle with cancer, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016, surrounded by love.

Steve was born on May 26, 1963, in Great Bend, Kansas. When he was six, his family moved to Topeka where he remained throughout his life. Steve is a 1981 graduate of Shawnee Heights High School and attended Washburn University for two years after high school working toward a Computer Science Degree. Steve enlisted in the US Navy, but was medically discharged due to chronic bronchitis and other medical issues.

Steve was employed at the Harry Turner Advertising Firm in Topeka as a as a computer operator/programmer and warehouse employee. From 1992 to 2001, he worked at Best Buy in Topeka as a computer/electronics repair person and salesman. In 2001, he left Best Buy to become an Information Technology Support Consultant for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, where he remained actively working, until the nature of his illness hindered his ability to work full time.

Steve had a great interest in Computer Science and was always reading about technology and would often share his knowledge of computers with others. He liked vintage computers and vintage computer games. Steve was an avid reader, who loved all thing science fiction, especially Star Trek and his favorite author, Robert Heinlein. His love for movies and TV was ever present in his conversations with others, and he would often see movies multiple times, watch vintage reruns like Daniel Boone or MASH, then buy the DVD, to add to his collection of movies. He loved all music, especially country music.

Steve took life’s challenges in stride, never complaining, and always looking for a way to laugh and throw in a quick witted comment. He loved dogs, especially Ricky and Dot. Steve treasured his friends and deeply loved his family. He is preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents. Left to cherish Steve’s memory are his mother, Beth Olson, of Topeka; father, Earl Olson (Charmaine) of Topeka; brother, Richard Olson of Berryton; sister, Mary Woods (Jack) of Lansing, Kansas; sister, Deb Brehm (Jim) of Perry, Kansas, and much loved nephews, Ethan and Jameson and nieces, Cassidy and Jenna.

Before his death, Steve wanted to express his great gratitude and appreciation for the care and kindness shown to him by Dr. Edwin Petrick, his nurse Wendy, and all the Stormont Vail Cancer Center staff. He also expressed great appreciation for the support given to him by the people that attended the Stormont Vail Cancer Center’s Monday Support Group. To honor his life, dedicate a night to Steve and watch your favorite movies.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 28th at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street in Topeka. Following the service, friends and family are encouraged to stay, share memories and continue to celebrate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s honor to the Jefferson County Friends of Hospice, 1212 Walnut Street, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.

Services & Gatherings

Service

Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel

Visitation

Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel

Southeast Chapel (785-272-8844) is assisting the family

Southeast Chapel (785-272-8844) is assisting the family

Memorial Video

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