Marvin Lorn Olson

Marvin Lorn Olson, age 85 of Markesan, passed away on April 20th, 2026.

Marvin was born on September 3, 1940, in Bloomer, Wisconsin, to Arthur and Elvera (Fritz) Olson. He graduated from Bloomer High School in 1958 and went on to attend Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire, now the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1962.

On July 7, 1962, Marvin was united in marriage with Jacqueline (“Jackie”) McElroy at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer, Wisconsin. The couple spent their first year in Winter, Wisconsin, before settling in Markesan in 1963, where they built their home, raised their family, and spent the rest of their lives together.

Music was a central part of Marvin’s life from an early age. He began playing for dances the summer before eighth grade and continued performing with polka bands throughout high school and college as a way to pay for his education. It was during those years that he and Jackie first met, often crossing paths at dances. Their relationship eventually grew into a lifelong partnership.

Marvin began his teaching career in Winter, Wisconsin in 1962 before moving to Markesan in 1963 to teach grade 6-12 band and high school vocal music. In 1969, he earned his master’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. Marvin built a strong and respected music program, and by the 1970s additional hires allowed him to focus exclusively on high school band. Highlights of his career included the band performing at events such as the State Lions Convention and UW Band Day. Band participation reached a peak of 96 students in 1979, a testament both to the strength of the program and the strong support of the community.

Marvin retired from teaching music in 1997 after many years of service in the Markesan School District. He continued working for five additional years as a computer technician in the elementary building before fully retiring in 2002.

Outside of his professional life, Marvin was never afraid of hard work and found great satisfaction in building and creating. Woodworking and construction were longtime hobbies, and he often lent a helping hand to friends and family, building additions and garages and assisting with many other projects over the years. He also enjoyed golf and spending time outdoors.

Marvin and Jackie shared a love of travel. They enjoyed camping and numerous road trips when their children were younger. In retirement, they spent more than a decade wintering in Florida to escape Wisconsin winters and remain active together. The drives to and from Florida became opportunities to explore new places, along with cruises and trips both east and west.

Among Marvin’s favorite memories were traveling to Norway with his father and Jackie, and later returning with his daughter Susan. His father had lived in Norway as a boy, and these trips provided the opportunity to connect with many family members there. He also found great joy in watching his daughter Ronda build a family of her own and in becoming an active part of his granddaughter Melody’s life.

Marvin was a long-time member of the Markesan United Methodist Church. He served on numerous committees over the years and contributed his deep vocals singing in the church choir for decades.

Marvin will be remembered for his dedication to family, his passion for music and teaching, and his commitment to his community.

Marvin is survived by his dearly loved wife of 63 years, Jackie Olson; his daughters, Ronda (Doug) Paul of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Susan Olson of Seattle, Washington; and his beloved granddaughter, Melody Paul (fiancé, Lauren Busansky) of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Duane and Gale Olson, Donald and Ruth Olson, and David and Virginia Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elvera Olson; his sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Francis (“Herb”) Gavin; and many other loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Markesan Community Funeral Home, 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. B. Joseph Christopher. A luncheon will be served afterward. Private inurnment will take place later at Markesan Memorial Cemetery.