About Woody

Woody’s full obituary is below written collectively by the Olson Family.

Woodrow Carl Olson

In May, we lost a man who dedicated much of his life to serving others. Woodrow (Woody) Carl Olson was a magnificent man, saving countless lives and affecting communities all across the State of Illinois. His passing brought complete shock and disbelief to everyone who ever crossed his path, and continues to do so these many months later.

Woody was born in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Elgin High School in 1976; a year and a half early. He also attended Iowa Western College, Illinois Valley Community College and College of DuPage. He spent much of his younger life working on cars and sharing the love of trains with his father. In the late 70’s he became a Community Service Officer with the Hanover Park Police Department, and rose to become an evidence technician. He also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Hanover Park Fire Department (Ontarioville FD.) He would go on to marry Susan Weber, having seven boys between 1983 and 1999- Ben (deceased), Zach, Nathan, Isaiah, Elijah, Noah, and Samuel. They would settle down in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

As children came into the picture, Woody hung up his hat in public service to provide for his growing family. From 1983 to 2004 Woody worked in sales- at Webb Automotive Group in Glen Ellyn, at Prudential Insurance and Investments in West Dundee, became Sales Manager at Joe Cotton Ford in Carol Stream and a Sales Manager at Rock River Automotive Group in Rockford. During this time he led the Cub Scouts Streamwood Pack 49, became a certified Skywarn Storm Spotter and acquired an Ameatur Ham Radio License (Call sign KB9JHN.)

Woody also led the communications for Tour De Cure in the Chicago suburbs, a American Diabetes Fundraiser hosting bicycling events. With his kids by his side, he would use his knowledge and skill in ameatur radio to communicate across hundreds of miles of race routes to ensure safety and security. It wasn’t uncommon for his kids to help in the aid and locating of stranded bicyclists.

Taking after his father, Woody became quite the collector of model trains. His collection continued to grow until his passing. He enjoyed frequent visits to the Illinois Railroad Museum in Union and the Trolley Museum in South Elgin. Woody also loved games of all kinds, especially with his sons. There were many outings to local parks and forest preserves to play the Tennis Ball game, which was a mix of capture the flag, dodgeball and tag, of course using tennis balls. Woody was also working on a board game called “Box Alarm”, which unfortunately was not finished before his passing. And of course, we can’t forget to mention his love and large collection of music and movies. He had an overwhelming collection of records, tapes, CD’s, VHS and DVD’s.

As his kids grew up, Woody stepped back into the medical field. From 2006 to 2014 he worked as an EMT at Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service, being awarded the Special Service to the Department Award. From 2011 to 2018 he worked as an EMT at Tonica Fire, Rescue and EMS, also serving as the Secretary of the Department. Woody also gave large amounts of time to the small town of Tonica, volunteering for events and fundraisers. He became very well known and beloved in the area. Also during this time he worked at Woodhaven Lakes in Sublette, serving in the Parks Services. At these departments, Woody would go above and beyond for the communities and all those who passed through them. He often risked his life working on major crashes on busy interstates and highways.

In 2018 Woody was forced to retire from his positions after suffering a major stroke. His life became much simpler, enjoying the little things of walking his dog and watching his favorite movies. His kids are all grown up now, doing incredible things. Each of them reflects their parents through music and art, through serving others. After a second and more serious stroke, the world cracked waiting to hear the future of Woody’s life. On May 14, 2021, his family learned of the heartbreaking news. Woody had passed away, going on to be with his father who had passed away a few years prior.

The news spread far and wide, an avalanche of emotions for everyone who knew him. Dozens of people, entire communities, expressed their sorrow. Today, months after, we continue to hear from those who are just finding out. We can not express how thankful and grateful we are for each and every one of you. For the cards, the flowers and constant unending support. As we continue to cope with the loss of our Dad, we wanted to share just how proud we are of him. Decades of public service, of selflessness, of bravery and most of all, love for his family.

Woody was cremated, to allow all those in his great big family to carry a piece of him throughout their lives. He is survived by his his sister, Karin, his children (with significant others) Zach, Nathan (Raquel), Isaiah (Justice), Elijah (Nelle), Noah (Samantha) and Samuel (Oscar), and their mother, Susan. Woody’s oldest son, Ben, passed away in December 2022 after battling CNS Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His father, also Woody, passed away in 2016 after suffering a catastrophic brain hemorrhage. His mother, Edla, passed away in 2024 from cancer. Our family celebrated Woody’s life at a local train museum, playing music he loved, games he invented and honoring the incredible man he was. To those who want to pay their respects, we encourage you to do so by supporting local volunteer fire departments, first responders and all those who go out of their way to help others. There is no doubt Woody will be missed every day by a great number of people. He lives on in the people he saved, in the communities he served, and of course in each of his seven sons.

Woodrow Carl Olson
1958 – 2021

Certifications

  • International Trauma Life Support: Advanced Level with Instructor Endorsement
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor Essentials with Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Endorsements
  • Illinois Valley EMS System: Mass Casualty Training, Helicopter Landing Zone Safety and Support (via Life Flight) and Preceptor Education Instruction
  • Department of Homeland Security: Medical Preparedness and Response to Bombing Incidents
  • Illinois Terrorism Task Force: Hazardous Materials
  • Illinois Emergency Management Agency / National Dire Academy / Illinois Fire Service Institute (Via University of Illinois): Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Illinois Fire Service Institute: Autism Spectrum and Similar Disorders in Emergency Situations
  • Illinois Fire Service Institute: Leadership, Accountability, Culture and Knowledge
  • Illinois Fire Service Institute: Ethanol Emergencies and Awareness
  • Paradigm: Pipeline Emergency Response
  • Illinois Fire Service Institute: Handling Routine Emergencies
  • National Weather Service: Advanced Severe Storms Spotter
  • National Incident Management: NIMS 100 / 700 Training
Memories Guest Book
Remembering Woody