It  is with a heavy heart that we notify the congregation that Irv Olsen died

Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Irv is survived by his son, Robert (Amy) Olsen of Ballwin, MO; daughter, Leslie (Steve) Thomas of Hobart; and grandson, Gregory.   A second son, David James, passed away shortly after his birth.   Irving was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy “Dottie” on March 17, 2014.  He was born on December 29, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to Dr. Irving S. and Martha Olsen.  

Irv graduated from Northwestern University, receiving his B.S. degree in 1954 and M.A. degree in 1955, majoring in Romance Languages.  He pursued 3 years advanced graduate studies at Northwestern University and Indiana University.  Irv taught at Northwestern University, Indiana University, the University of Texas, the University of Illinois-Chicago Circle Campus, and finally for 25 additional years at Valparaiso University, where he taught Foreign Languages and held the post of Director of Instructional Media, retiring in 1994.  Irv married his wife Dorothy on February 6, 1954 in Evanston, IL.  They were very happily married for 60 years and he always remarked that marrying Dottie was the single best decision he ever made in his entire life.  

Irv was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, a Scoutmaster for many years with the Boy Scouts of America (receiving the Wood Badge and Silver Beaver honors), the Exchange Club of Valparaiso, and the Duneland Woodcarvers Club of Northwest Indiana (a hobby which brought him deep satisfaction and pleasure).  He was also a member of      Re-VU. A group of retired VU faculty and staff.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso on Saturday, May 22 at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Christ Lutheran Church.