Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, educator, and friend to many, Maynard Olson died on April 18, 2016. He was born January 9, 1921, in Finley, North Dakota, to Arthur William Olson and Edith Archer Olson. He is a product of the Great Depression and served in the US Army Medical Corps for 3 1/2 years in France and at Fort Snelling, MN, during World War II.
Maynard graduated from Mayville State Teachers College in North Dakota in l946 with a major in Social Science and minors in Natural Science and Physical Education. He and Shirley taught on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota for two years, where he also coached football, basketball, and track.
Maynard married Shirley Ann Loe in 1946 and together they raised five children who all graduated from Helena High School and the University of Montana. He believed deeply in the advantages of a good education and encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their individual talents.
Maynard received a Master of Arts degree in Social Studies in 1948 from Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, CO. Between 1948 and 1957, he was a teacher and coach in Boulder, MT, and then became Superintendent of Schools for Whitehall Public Schools for two years. He did graduate work in education administration at the University of Montana and Montana State University. He was High School Supervisor for six years with the Department of Public Instruction and served as the state supervisor for Title I and coordinator for Title III for one year. He was also director of the GED testing program state wide. He was Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Helena for five years prior to being named Superintendent of Schools in 1972. He served Helena schools in this position for eight years, developing the music program in the schools and making a point to visit all classrooms in the district. He believed that one of the greatest challenges facing schools and society is the need to develop understanding and concern for others and the ability to get along with people. He practiced this ability in his daily interactions with people all his life, always taking an genuine interest in others.
After retiring from the school district, Maynard served as deputy superintendent in the Department of Public Instruction for several years. When he fully retired, he and Shirley bought a mini home and took a trip across Canada and around the perimeter of the US. They loved to travel and visited family whenever they could, appreciating being a part of their grandchildren’s lives. They also attended three Olympics and two years ago Maynard was thrilled to participate in the Big Sky Honor Flight to Washington DC as a World War II veteran. Maynard enjoyed hunting and even into his 90’s rode the back roads with his friend Ed Prebil in a pickup truck looking for the elusive elk.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents, brothers Art, Elmer (Bibs), and Robert, and sisters Evelyn and Adele.
He is survived by son Craig (Susan) of Peoria, AZ, and daughters Claudia (Jim) of Sheridan, WY, Pam Hansen (Gary) of Rochester, MN, Julie Struyk of Vancouver, WA, and Michelle (Steve) Wilcox of Helena; eleven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday April 23 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue with a reception to follow in the lower level of the church. A Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday April 25 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Growing Friends of Helena PO Box 709 Helena, MT 59624 or donate at www.growingfriends.org/support or to the Helena Education Foundation PO Box 792 Helena, MT 59624 or donate at www.hefmt.org.
Please visit below to share a memory of Maynard or to offer the family a condolence.
Tom Naegele says
Olson Family,
My Loving and Supportive Prayers are being sent your way. Maynard was such a mentor Father in my life, as was Shirley. My life has been enriched with them and the entire Olson Family in my life. I just went by Maynard & Shirley neighborhood both current and past, on Sunday, and thought of them.
God Bless and hold you all in the palm of His hand.
Tom
Dan Rieder says
Claudia, Pam, Julie, Michelle and Craig:
You are in my thoughts – I’ve known your parents since I was 13, when they moved to Boulder in 1948. Your dad was my teacher, my coach, and a great family friend over all these years. But he was more than that – he also served as a mentor, advisor and role model for thousands of students, from my generation to the present. Even though the Olsons left Boulder and settled in Helena, they never missed an opportunity to return for reunions, weddings or other community celebrations. Except for my parents, i can’t think of anyone who had a great impact on my life than Maynard Olson. He was truly one of a kind!
Dan Rieder
Lorraine & Clark Fowler says
To the Olson children: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We were very good friend of your parents and enjoyed our friendship with them, and will miss them.
Shirley Cole says
Maynard was the principal at JCHS (Jefferson High School now) when I went there. I was from Clancy and rode the school bus for those four years. I graduated in 1957 and really was a Maynard Olson fan for those years and beyond. He was a wonderful man, principal, and mentor to all who needed him. He help many a student through a rough patch. In later years as I grow older, I believe that that time in my life was a special time because of the way he supervised the school. Shirley was a beautiful lady with a sense of humor. God bless Maynard and Shirley as I am sure they are on the right hand of God and I even think Shirley might be singing our Lord a beautiful sony.
God bless you all.
Shirley Cole
Dee Turner says
Mr. Olson, along with Louis Strand and Jerry Roth, hired me to work in the Helena School District in 1974. The interview was on a hot June day in Mr. Olson’s office. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, but I was nervous as I needed the special education job for which I had applied. We talked about Helena, but mostly we talked about my former husband’s outstanding football career at HHS. I did notice all three men were wearing white shoes and white belts and I wondered if it was a uniform for administrators!! But is was the 70s… All of a sudden they all three stood up and seemed to want me to leave the room. I had to ask them if I got the job! I’ll never forget each of them saying, in his own way, that I’d did get the job. It was the best job interview I ever had, thanks especially to Mr. Olson, Supt. Of Schools. Here’s to hire shoes and matching belts!! God bless than thank you, Mr. Olson.
Lauren (Larson) Murphy says
Dear Olson family,
Both of your parents were a part of my life since I was a little kid. There were so many camping, hunting and picnicking trips along with an occasional holiday celebration. Mark and I used to run into them down at Farmers’ Market and have a great visit. Unfortunately, Mark and I will not be able to attend Maynard’s service on Saturday. We would have loved to see you all along with so many people that were connected to both our families.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you on Saturday and for many days to come.
Lauren and Mark Murphy
Cindy Burk says
Olson Family
Your father was the sweetest man. I so enjoyed him on all of our visits. He was so kind and caring man. We will miss him so much. Thank you for letting us share in his life.
Our sincere condolences.
Last Chance Audiology, Inc.
Dale Larson says
Dear Olson Family,
Growing up in Boulder, I was privileged to have a large extended family to share adventures with. Your family was part of that larger family and brought enthusiasm to everything we did. Thank you for providing so many memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Father.
Dale Larson
Steve Armstrong says
I was hired by District 1 in Helena for a position at Helena High during Maynard’s last year as superintendent. In those first days during “new teacher” orientation (August 1979), he was always kind and encouraging as we embarked on our journey with District 1. I remember when we were asked to watch a new documentary about Helena featuring the “Four Georgians,” Maynard stated that “you will enjoy this documentary.” It was clear that he didn’t mean this as so directive as this may sound, but that the documentary would provide a glimpse into Helena’s history that would be important to all of us in understanding our new environment and community.
I sort of lost track of Maynard after he retired, but met up with him again when our combo played for his daughter’s wedding reception in the late 1990s. We had a great conversation during that time.
I have great memories of Maynard and Mrs. Olson. My sympathies to the Olson family.
Susan Giambelluca says
Hugs, Love and Prayers to the whole Olson family,
Maynard was a wonderful man and he will be missed by so many.
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. ~Leo Buscaglia
Love, Sue & Bob Giambelluca
Susan Deming says
I believe Maynard hired my sister, Cheryl, to teach elementary school “way-back-when.”
My thoughts and prayers are with your family now.
Tim McKeever says
Julie, Pam, Claudia, Michelle, and Craig, So very sorry to hear of you father passing. I did not realize that your mom had either. I have many fond memories of all of you, and really enjoyed your folks. Maynard struck me as always being sincerely interested in listening to me. I do think of you all often. I consider myself so fortunate to have known the Olson family! My thoughts are with you all!
JoAnne Prebil Ford says
Dear Olson family,
Maynard and Shirley were such special friends to our family.
He was such a dear friend to my parents and they had so much fun over the years.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
JoAnne, Dave and Zac
Charlotte J. Rehmer says
Claudia, Pam Julie, Craig & Michelle. Happened to read the Independent Record today (Sunday) and saw your Dad’s obit. I have a very large lump in my throat and a hole in my heart as your folks were very dear friends. My husband Harold followed Maynard as Principal of Jefferson High School and we maintained a connection and friendship for more than 50 years. They were a special couple and we shared many stories and much laughter. I am so sorry for your loss and will always have special memories of our times together.
Charlotte Rehmer
Tom Campbell says
My Dad worked with and for your Dad for many years at OPI and with the Helena School District. Mr. Olson was held in very high regard by my parents and was always spoken of well in our house. I’m truly sorry to hear of his passing and I want to send my prayers and thoughts to you.
Ruth Jones says
I send you my prayers and Love . I have tried to get ahold of Craig He is just way to popular and I just found out about your Dad today. a please have Craig give me a call I do get to see Dave and Mary. Your Dad and my husband used to have a great time solving the world problems when we were at the Mall .love and prayers Ruth Jones