Gary Furste Olson, 54, of Oak Park, a former football coach at Oak Park-River Forest High School, died Tuesday of a heart attack after finishing a workout at the high school. Mr. Olson was a physical education teacher at the high school for 27 years and headed the football program from 1983 through 1990 and again in 1996 and 1997. He was active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “The guy was a stud,” said his son-in-law, Richard Nordstrom. “He had about a 35-inch waist, with a 50-inch chest.” Born in Westerly, R.I., Mr. Olson grew up in Mattoon and attended Southern Illinois University. Survivors include his wife, Dawn; a daughter, Nicole; a son, Justin; his father, Robert; a brother, Neal; a sister, Gail; and a grandson. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Calvary Memorial Church, 931 Lake St., Oak Park.
