Diane V. Olson (Darcy)

Diane V. Olson (Darcy), 93, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on March 14, 2025, at her daughter’s home in The Woodlands, Texas.  Diane was born on May 19, 1931 to William and Lily (Eilertson) Johnson in Kennedy, Minnesota. She graduated from Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota. Diane married Wallace D. Olson on August 2, 1958, in Karlstad, Minnesota.  That same year they moved to Waukegan where they built a life together and welcomed three children: Robert, Ann, and Mary. Along with raising her children, she dedicated her life to teaching students for over 35 years in the Waukegan Public School District. Diane had a gift for teaching and encouraged her students to believe in themselves. She instilled in her children and students that anything could be done if you put your mind to it.  She continued her education and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Diane thoroughly enjoyed traveling, shopping, and dining at restaurants with her family and friends, where laughter, stories, and great conversation ensued. Diane was known for her infectious laughter and her spunky attitude.

She leaves behind son Robert of Big Sky, Montana, daughters Ann (Larry) Perry of The Woodlands, Texas, and Mary of Waukegan, Illinois, granddaughter, Brooke (William) Dawson, and great-granddaughter, Darcy, of The Woodlands, Texas, cherished friends, Richard and Mary Tabatt, and their daughters Elizabeth (Mark) Ziemann and Susan (John) Wach. Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace in 1999, her parents, and her nine brothers.

Diane was a woman of incredible heart – a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a friend who made everyone feel seen and valued.  She showed us how to live with purpose: through the way she loved her family, served her community, and held fast to her Christian faith. She’s not truly gone; she’s in the hugs we share, the stories we tell, and the faith we hold dear. Her love lives on in us, a gift we will treasure until we are together again in eternity.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel Church at 2300 N. Dilleys Road in Gurnee, Illinois on Saturday, May 31st at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Immanuel Church.

You may sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com.                 

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