Olson, Kathleen Margaret (Kating)

Kathleen Margaret (Kating) Olson, 46, of Marion, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at New Covenant Bible Church, 1800 46th St. NE, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Matt Proctor of Cornerstone Church. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion and one hour before services at the church. Burial: 2:30 p.m., Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Jeff; three children, Jonathan, Hannah and Laura; parents, John and Judy Kating of Rolling Meadows, Ill.; a brother, Jim (Mary) Kating of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; sister-in-law, Mary Younggren (Joe Silitz) of Golden Valley, Minn.; mother-in-law, Ellen (Merrill) Golliet of Edina, Minn.; five nephews; and many other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Margaret and Edward Krubl and Merle and Jim Kating.

Kathleen was born Oct. 28, 1963, in Arlington Heights, Ill., the daughter of John and Judy (Krubl) Kating. She graduated in 1981 from William Fremd High School in Palatine, Ill., earned her B.A. degree in elementary education in 1986 from Gustavus Adolphus College and master's in education in 1998 from the University of St. Thomas. On July 16, 1994, Kathleen was united in marriage to Jeff Olson at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights, Ill. She was a member of the Cornerstone Church (EFCA) of Marion, where she was the deaconess of Worship for many years, and was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter OP and former member of P.E.O. Chapter JX.

Kathleen was a woman of grace, had a deep love of life, and a strong, amazing faith. Her music, with voice and piano, brought joy to many. She was a total teacher who inspired and nurtured in all areas in her life.

Kathleen was passionately committed to her husband, children, family, and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be directed in Kathleen's honor to Cornerstone Church, 999 44th St., Suite 2000, Marion, IA 52302 or the Kathleen Olson Memorial at Bank of the West, 770 Seventh Ave., Marion, IA 52302.

Please sign the online guest book for Kathleen at under obituaries.