Services
Obituary
Clifford (Cliff) Olson, 93, formerly of Kanawha and Belmond, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, in Mesa AZ, after a brief hospitalization.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 2211 130th Street rural Belmond, with Pastor Jim Gochenouer officiating. Burial will be in St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.
Clifford M. Olson was born December 17, 1930, on the Olson family farm southeast of Kanawha IA, to Melvin and Carrie Olson. Cliff graduated from Kanawha High School in 1949, attended Luther College, and was drafted into the Army in 1952. He was honorably discharged in 1954 after serving in Germany. Cliff farmed on the family farm from a young age until his retirement.
Cliff married Joyce Chelesvig on March 4, 1978, at the United Methodist Church in West Liberty, IA. Cliff and Joyce owned and operated an antique store in Belmond IA for 15 years, specializing in refinishing furniture, with oak spoon-carved furniture being Cliff’s favorite. He also worked as an insurance adjuster for Farmers Mutual Hail and received a gold watch for 15 years of service with the company.
Cliff served on the Wright County Extension Council for 10 years and served as chair for four years.
In 1997, Cliff and Joyce purchased a home in Mesa, AZ, and enjoyed many years as “snowbirds.” And for over 20 years, Cliff volunteered at the Desert Thrift Store in Mesa.
Cliff and Joyce enjoyed traveling which included two trips to Norway and travel to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents Melvin and Carrie, stepmother Avanelle, and stepdaughter Kim Chelesvig.
He is survived by his sister Jean Stevens (Rollie) and stepsons Jeff Chelesvig and Brad Chelesvig (Trudy). Nieces Kyle Vandeven (John), Kim Stevens, and nephew Jeff Stevens (Stanna).