Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Rodney T. Olson, 75, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Western Home from Parkinson’s disease. He was born September 28, 1950, in Illinois, where he grew up on a farm, the youngest of five boys and one girl.
Rodney served his country in the US Army from 1969 – 1975 in Vietnam, followed by two years in Germany. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W in Illinois. He graduated from Illinois State with two degrees, one in safety. Rodney’s last job was at John Deere in Waterloo as a safety engineer.
He loved and collected lots of books, enjoyed taking walks, and sitting outside with his neighbors. Rodney was a kind person who dearly loved his wife and wrote many loving notes to her.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Barbara Brickman of Waterloo; his son Brendan Olson of Illinois; brothers Oral (Carol) Olson of Arizona and Richard (Mary) Olson of Illinois and Missouri; stepson Gregory (Katie) Brown of Des Moines; his Aunt Jean Banbury; and many nieces nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Harold Olson, and sister Julie Gravitt.
No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be directed to PBS.
I wanted to leave my condolences, my grandmother and his dad where brother and sister. He was always so nice to me when my mom visited their farm as a kid. We reconnected in later life in his yrs. at Mitsubishi where I saw him nearly every day. Was a great cousin and friend.
Barb, Brenden and family,
My condolences for your loss. I lost touch with Rodney in the last 6-7 years while I was caring for my husband at Western Home, too. Thankfully, there are very caring nurses at the Western Home and the cottages especially that help when dealing with devastating diseases. I was saddened to hear Rodney also suffered from Parkinson’s as did my husband. It’s a terribly disabling disease and hard to deal with the progression. I worked with Rodney several years in the safety department at JD. Rodney loved to get apples at Gays Mills every fall. I often asked if he would bring some back for me, which, of course, he graciously did. I hope your wonderful memories help you grieve this very difficult loss.
My deepest condolences to all family. I knew Rodney when I was younger. He was a good man who served his nation and family. May his memory be a blessing.
My condolences to the entire family.