Oct. 1, 1930
to May 25, 2015
Bob was born to Theodore and Esther Olson of Lindsborg, Kan., the youngest of four children. His father was the town blacksmith. Lindsborg had a very strong Swedish culture that Bob proudly claimed throughout his life.
He attended Bethany College in Lindsborg and earned his bachelor of science in chemistry and biology, graduating with honors in 1952. Bob married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Kathleen Enberg, on Aug. 9, 1953. He followed this momentous milestone by graduating with honors from Kansas University Medical School in 1956. Bob also was inducted into the honorary medical fraternity of Alpha Omega Alpha.
Bob served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps from 1956 to 1959, and the USAF Ready Reserve from 1959 to 1966. He completed his medical internship while stationed at Moses Lake and McChord Air Force bases. Afterward, Bob returned to the University of Kansas for his medical residency from 1959 to 1961 as part of his pediatric fellowship.
While he was in the Air Force, Bob fell in love with the rugged mountains and wilderness of the Northwest, which was a happy change from the flat Midwestern landscape of his childhood. When he chose a place to settle down to raise his family and practice medicine, he chose Lewiston, where he was able to pursue his outdoor passions of hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking and camping in the great outdoors.
He joined William Mannschreck as a pediatric partner in 1961, tirelessly devoting himself to his medical practice and serving the community for 35 years until retiring in 1996. Bob was one of the original partners that established the Valley Medical Clinic. He was president of the Idaho Medical Service Bureau in 1968 and was on staff at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Tri-State Memorial Hospital from 1961 to 1996.
Bob was president of Northwest Children's Home in 1987 and was a passionate advocate for children and the home right up until his recent death. He was a longtime member of the Wildlife Club and actively helped to develop a gun range in Lapwai, where he served as a range officer. Bob was a founder of the Idaho Perinatal Society, and he was a member of the American Legion Post No. 13.
Bob had a deep love for the Red River Ranger District. He spent most of his free time exploring the mountains, rivers and forests of Idaho in search of the perfect camp spot. He found it along Mallard Creek, where he built the family cabin. Kathy and he spent most of their time at the cabin. There was always a new project to make the cabin a little bit better. They enjoyed countless wonderful times with family and friends in the Mallard Creek and Dixie area - whether gathered around the kitchen table or a campfire, there was always so much laughter.
Bob died Monday, May 25, 2015, surrounded by his family he loved. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Ann Olson; two sons, Scott Douglas Olson (Pamela) and John Eric Olson (Jodi); his daughter, Kristen Ann Olson (Tracy Nieto); and his older brother, Erwin Olson (Gertrude).
Bob was preceded in death by his two older sisters, Melba Hall and Virgie Hammer.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, where Bob was a member, located at 920 Eighth Ave., Lewiston. The family requests that donations be made in Bob's name to Trinity Lutheran Church, in lieu of flowers.