Thomas Oleson

Mr. Thomas “Tom” Whitney Oleson, age 88, passed away on the morning of Sunday, April 14th, 2024 at his home in St. Marys, Ga.

Mr. Oleson was born on July 14th, 1935 in Wausau, Wi. to the late Douglas and Elva

Tom graduated with a Masters degree from University of Wisconsin,  Osh Gosh where he played football. He has treasured friendships with colleagues Andy Whittaker, Bob Goggins, Michael Sterr, Pat Bowser and their families for more than 56 years.  Tom is a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army.  He also played semi-pro football for the Sheboygan Redwings in Wisconsin.

However,  Tom’s legacy would be the creation of the non-profit organization Para Los Ninos in 1996.  In over 60 trips abroad to Central and South American countries, the organization served hundreds of children,  built 3 schools in Honduras Central America, and provided school supplies, clothing, and toys to every child they could.  Currently Para Los Ninos provides 26 families with a back to school party providing backpacks filled with age appropriate supplies, clothing, books, and shoes.  At Christmas time these same families enjoy a party complete with Santa, personalized stocking, and many gifts to put under the tree.

These events brought Tom much joy and blessed many children. He was last  able to attend the 10th annual Christmas Party of 2023.  And though Tom has passed on, I know many children will have had joyful experiences because of his desires to give. I pray some will have been touched in such a way that they too will desire to lift others up.  Fly high with the angels Tom cat.  Love, your wife of 27 years, Glenda.

Mr. Oleson is survived by his wife, Glenda Oleson of Kingsland, Ga.; his daughters, Jennifer (Mike) Weber, Maria (Robert) Valentich, Lois (Rocky) Roberson, Dena (Steve) Cook, and Ashlee (Ronald) Stone; his sons, Jay Oleson, Ben (Sherri) Stone, and Edward (Corrina) Stone; his brothers, John Oleson and Jim Oleson; and his grandchildren, Micah and Madison.

A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.