Rocky Dean Olson

July 22, 1950 - February 3, 2023

Rocky Dean Olson, 72, of Holland, IA passed away in his home Friday, February 3, 2023. A visitation will be held at American Lutheran Church Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 10 am to 11 am with a funeral service following the visitation at 11 am. Online condolences may be made at: www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Rocky was born July 22, 1950, in Ramona, SD to Conrad and Gladys Olson. They moved to Decorah, IA when he was young and graduated from Decorah High School in 1968. He had a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology and a master's in Education.

He sold real estate prior to spending 23 years teaching, 21 of those years in Yuma, AZ. He touched hundreds of students lives and tried to give each a thorough understanding of math. His 6th graders scored at the 92nd percentile in math on the Stanford 9 in the spring of 2003. It was the fifth highest score in Arizona. He was loved for the humor he brought to his classroom, and the staff voted him Climate Creator several times.

He was married to his soulmate, Janmarie (Moen) on June 12, 1971. They were blessed with two sons: Ryan and Joshua. His passions included his Corvette, car, coin, and gun collections, and spending time with friends and family, especially his grandson, Evan.

Rocky was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Reggie; brother, Michael; and sister, Gayla Denk. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janmarie; his sons, Ryan (Chaunte), and Joshua (Tiffany), one sister, Cindy (Duane) Martin, sister-in-law Bonnie Olson, sister-in-law Renee (Delvin) Sommerlot, brother-in-law Larry (Jenn) Moen, brother-in-law Richard (Sharon) Moen, one grandson, Evan Olson, several, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.