Alvin J. Olson, 78, of Elgin, retired in 1977 after 25 years as a shop, chemistry and physics teacher, most recently at Elk Grove High School. Mr. Olson previously taught at Larsen Junior High School, now Larsen Middle School, in Elgin. Mr. Olson, who was born in Sandwich, Ill., died Monday, May 29, in Rosewood Care Center in Elgin. He was a 1940 graduate of Sandwich High School. Mr. Olson served with the 15th U.S. Army Air Forces, based in Italy, as an aerial gunner and bombardier on B-24 bombers in several European campaigns during World War II. He received a bachelor’s degree in education at Bradley University, Peoria, in the late 1940s. “He was a good father and a good husband,” said his wife of more than 54 years, Dorothy. “He was very patient. He had a good sense of humor.” Other survivors include two daughters, Karen Cernoch and Susan Bailey; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Stout-Madison Funeral Home, 252 S. State St., Elgin.
