On October 12, 2020, Thomas Olson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away at the age of 86. Tom was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin to Marion and Herbert Olson. He graduated from University of Wisconsin in 1956, served in the US Army from 1956-58, and received his Master of Social Work from Washington University in 1960. While at Washington University, he met his wife Jean Leotta, a local Italian, in the same program. Jean’s family owned an Italian grocery store, and Tom found himself joyfully immersed in the Italian culture and especially the food! They married in 1960 in St. Louis, moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and started a family - Kristopher (1961) and Mary (1963). In 1962, Tom accepted a position at Evanston Township High School as their Social Worker. It was at ETHS where Tom spent the rest of his career (25 years) supporting students and their families. It was a selfless job serving as a compassionate advocate and mentor to kids who needed advice in dealing with serious life issues. He will always be remembered for the countless number of students he served, protected, and ultimately helped to improve their life outcome. Tom was a quiet, kind man who could always be counted on by his family and friends. He was keen on connecting with people, especially young adults; he loved Jean’s cooking; he cherished family time at the farm in Wisconsin; he enjoyed the golf course, sampling new beers, and traveling. Above all though, he was an incredibly proud parent and grandfather. He will be greatly missed, but forever remembered. Tom is survived by his wife, Jean of 60 years, his children, Kristopher and Mary (Mark) Biegger, his brother, Don (Nancy), and his grandchildren, TJ, Laura, Jake, and Noah. A celebration of life ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 2021 when hopefully everyone who cares about Tom will feel safe to attend. Until then, we ask that you take a moment on Thanksgiving Day to give thanks for Tom. You are also welcome to leave a tribute on this website’s “Tribute Wall”. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Three Crowns Park Foundation (Employee Scholarship Fund) https://www.threecrownspark.org/#main- (click on donate and complete form) or mail to: 2323 McDaniel Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 or Lewy Body Dementia https://www.lbda.org/donate/ or mail to: 12 Killian Hill Road S.W Lilburn, GA 30047 Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990