Craig Allan Olson

Craig Allan Olson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away early Sunday morning, September 28, 2025. He leaves a legacy filled with love, loyalty, and laughter. Craig, in turn, shared those wonderful sentiments with those he cherished.

Born on August 26, 1955, in Waterloo, Craig was the son of Marvin and Beverly (Fay) Olson and the second of five children. He grew up in Cedar Falls and was a 1973 graduate of Cedar Falls High School.

Craig spent much of his employment career with Iowa Laser Technology in Cedar Falls. He supported them in numerous roles and brought calmness, character, and a can-do attitude to his work. Craig retired from active employment life in 2019.

He married the love of his life, Debora, on June 23, 1995. Craig and Deb had a committed, affectionate relationship with one another. He would frequently make her feel like the coolest woman in any room, a sign of his steadfast love for his wife of 30 years.

Craig had many wonderful times being outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved every moment spent in nature. Craig and Deb traveled often to Minnesota and enjoyed extended fishing adventures together.

Craig was an excellent tennis player and played on many USTA teams over the years. He made many friends and enjoyed the camaraderie that came with the sport. He also enjoyed watching his favorite team, the UNI Panthers, and was an avid fan of their volleyball and basketball squads.

A fan of western movies and a student of history, Craig always enjoyed sharing stories about the things he learned while reading or watching his latest show. He was an aficionado of many topics and, seven times out of ten, would end up regaling the group with a tale that became just a little taller each retelling.

One of Craig's true talents was working on do-it-yourself projects, both inside and outside the house. He was always willing to lend a hand on a car repair, a yard cleanup or help to assemble something needing to be built. Craig ardently believed anything can be repaired with Shoe Goo.  He would never hesitate to drop what he was doing for someone that needed support with an activity.

Craig's true joy came from his family. He loved his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren without fail. He was so proud of each of them and his favorite storytelling subject was their latest successes in academics, arts, music, and sports. Craig loved having the opportunity to share his favorite activities with his grandchildren and taught many of them how to fish.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; children Aaron (Crystal) Olson, Kelly (Deana) Olson, Christina (Steve Paulsen) Olson, David (Kerri Mennenga) Finnegan, Megan (Nick) Kelley, Andrew (Lindsay) Finnegan, and Ben (Heather) Finnegan; grandchildren Layton, Lenna, Kaylee, Andrew, Cole (Allison), Kody, Bryce, Carter, Kason, Elliott, Paxton, Ethan, Kaitlyn, Owen, Rylan, Emalee, Jayce, Livy, Harper, Lucy and Ella; his great-granddaughter Reagan; sisters Cathy (Chuck) Parsons, Coni (Jim) Hansen, and Lori (Steve) Knapp; brother Scott (Brenda) Olson; many nieces, nephews, and close friends, all of whom he loved greatly.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Western Home Foundation or the Northeast Iowa Food Bank .

Craig's funeral service will take place on Friday, October 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. at Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls. Visitation with the family will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church that same day.