Obituaries: Olson

olsencory

Cory James Olsen, 26, of Bloomington, passed away at 11:30 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2015 in Shirley, Illinois due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington with Rev. Christine McNeal officiating. A gathering at the Davis Lodge at Lake Bloomington will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Diesel Power Equipment Technology Program at ICC or the HOOAH Hunting Program.

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with cremation arrangements. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

Cory was born August 4, 1989 in Normal, the son of JD and Stacey Williams Olsen.

He is survived by his parents of Bloomington, a brother, David “Kyle” Olsen and a sister, Julianna “JuJu” Olsen, both of Bloomington; paternal grandparents, Jim and Judy Olsen of Hudson and maternal grandmother, Julie Williams of Bloomington. He is also survived by two uncles, one aunt and three cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, David “Mike” Williams and an uncle, TJ Olsen.

Cory graduated from University High School, received an Associate’s degree in Diesel Mechanics from Illinois Central College and a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology from Southern Illinois University. He was a mechanical engineer for Caterpillar in Washington. He worked at the Proving Grounds on an Articulated Truck Team.

Cory enjoyed hunting, fishing and anything with a motor. He was always willing to lend a hand. He put his friends and family before himself. Cory was a happy person and was happiest when spending time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…