Nona J. Olson

Nona Jane McGohan Olson passed away December 2, 2009 in Eldridge, IA. A funeral service will be held at Swedesburg Lutheran Church, Swedesburg, IA, on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at 10:30 AM. Memorials can be made to Susan B. Komen For the Cure (1401 W. Central Park, Davenport, IA 52803) or the Swedish Heritage Museum (107 James Ave., Swedesburg, IA 52652). McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.
She was born February 11, 1915 to Charles N. and Eva Dodds McGohan at the family farm near Mt. Pleasant, IA. She attended Excelsior Country School, and, in 1933, she graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. She also graduated from the Burlington Business College in 1933. On April 12, 1942, Nona married Leonard C. Olson of Swedesburg, IA at her parents’ home in Mt Pleasant. Nona and Leonard had two sons. During her working career, Nona worked at several jobs in Henry County, most notably her 24 years as Secretary of the Olds and WACO High Schools. Nona lived in the Swedesburg/Olds community for 55 years until 1997, when she moved to Mt. Pleasant. In 2008 she moved to Grand Haven Retirement Center, in Eldridge, IA, where she lived until her death.
Nona’s first and foremost love was her family, followed closely by her desire to help others. She was an avid traveler, but also found great satisfaction in reading, puzzles and volunteering. She loved to keep in touch with her family and friends through computer emails, and played board and computer games with passion and a competitive spirit.
Nona was a woman of faith and an active member of the Swedesburg Lutheran Church and WELCA since her marriage in 1942; she was a former member of the Mt Pleasant Westside Mothers’ Club; Fort Nightly Club, the Swedish Heritage Society of Swedesburg, IA, and the Henry Country Health Center Auxiliary.
Nona is survived by her two sons, Dr. Gary (Vickie) of Bettendorf and Ed (Janet) of Helena, MT, her two granddaughters, Dr. Mikka (Billy) Appel of Bettendorf and Jayme Olson of Bettendorf, three great-granddaughters, sister-in-law, Gladys McGohan, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; sisters, Alice McGohan, Fern Oldham, Verda Grindon, and Ruby Bump; and brothers, Cecil McGohan and Lester McGohan.