Paul Gilbert Olson

Paul Gilbert Olson of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the age of 89.

Paul was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 31, 1936, the son of Gilbert and Arnice Olson. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1954 and went on to earn an associate degree in accounting from Globe Business College.

From 1953 to 1961, Paul proudly served in the Minnesota 109th Fighter Group Air National Guard, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge.

On November 23, 1957, Paul married the love of his life, Winnie Lehmann of Ceylon, Minnesota. Their marriage of nearly 68 years was filled with love, laughter, and a shared spirit of adventure.

Paul enjoyed a long and successful career as an accountant, spending 36 years with International Harvester, working in St. Paul, Philadelphia and Kansas City. After retiring, Paul spent another 11 years working part-time with Sears and he and Winnie traveled the world - visiting five continents, over 40 countries, and nearly every state in the U.S. Paul and Winnie also enjoyed a neighborhood couples group known as the “Dirty Dozen” that was filled with lots of laughter, adventure, friendship and support.

Music was another lifelong passion. Paul played guitar in his younger years and, alongside Winnie, attended more than 20 music festivals over the decades. He especially loved classic country music, with Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins and Willie Nelson among his favorite artists.

A devoted fan, Paul faithfully cheered for the Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Kansas City sports teams. He also found great joy in supporting his grandchildren, attending countless games, recitals, and school events over the years.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Winnie Olson; daughter Dawn Shaver (Lyle) of Plattsburg, MO; sons Scott Olson of Lenexa, KS, and Erik Olson (Kimberly) of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren Kaylyn Scroggin and Ashlee Olson (Scott), Michael and Katy Olson (Erik); step-grandchildren Ashlie and Travis Shaver (Lyle); and great-grandchildren Parker and Hudson Scroggin (Kaylyn).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Arnice Olson, and his brother, Gary Olson.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will be served afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Atonement Lutheran Church Foundation. https://www.atoneluth.org/give

Paul will be remembered for his quiet strength, warm smile, deep devotion to his family, and a life of integrity and kindness. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.