V Edward Olson
February 17, 1940 ~ September 25, 2021
V. Edward Olson of Bethesda, MD passed away on September 25th, surrounded by those who loved him and those he loved.
Ed, as he was known, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and Christian. Ed was married to Faye Olson, the love of his life, for nearly 60 years and blessed by their three daughters Tonja, Kerri, and Linnea. He delighted in their company as well as that of his seven grandchildren, Natalie, Nicole, Claire, Sonia, Nicolas, Delphine and Anabel.
The son of a minister and lifelong pillar of the churches to which he and Faye belonged, Ed devoted his time, energy, faith and love to serving God and caring for God’s children. This took the shape of directing and singing in church choirs throughout his life, as well as serving as a leader in multiple church congregations. Most recently, Ed taught English classes and served on numerous committees at McLean Baptist Church, where he and Faye have been members for 30 years.
Ed was born on February 17, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. His father’s ministry took the family to four different churches in Nebraska and Iowa during his growing-up years. He graduated from Estherville (Iowa) High School in 1958 and later attended Bethel College in St. Paul, MN where he received a Bachelor’s degree in History, Education and Music. His graduate studies were in Economics and Geography at the University of Minnesota and later at the Foreign Service Institute.
Early in Ed’s career, he was on the faculty of Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, where he taught World History and Geography from 1963 to 1969. Ed joined the State Department’s Foreign Service in 1969 and served his country as an economic officer for 27 years. His posts included Spain, Malawi, Sweden, New Orleans, Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil, and several assignments in the Washington, D.C. area. After retiring from the Foreign Service, Ed became Executive Director of Community Ministry of Northern Virginia and worked for the Baptist World Alliance headquarters in Falls Church, VA. He later served as a Board Member of the Children’s Fund for 15 years.
Ed loved history, languages, religion and music. His intellectual interests were broad and deep. His love of music led him to play various instruments and sing in a quartet while in college. He sang in the Bethel College choir, together with Faye, where a highlight was singing for John F. Kennedy at the White House. Ed loved tinkering and fixing things, especially cars, and was eager to offer help when people needed it, in any way he could. His kindness, thoughtfulness, reverence and goodness lives on in the lives of those who knew him and who he helped.
Visitation will be held at McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6pm – 8pm. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 1 at 11am. McLean Baptist Church requests that anyone attending the visitation and/or service please wear masks within the church building. The family would be grateful if, in lieu of flowers, friends would consider making a donation in Ed’s name to the Children’s Fund (childrensfund.net) or the Baptist World Alliance (Baptist World Alliance). Those wishing to send flowers, Money and King recommends Karin's Florist.
Ed, as he was known, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and Christian. Ed was married to Faye Olson, the love of his life, for nearly 60 years and blessed by their three daughters Tonja, Kerri, and Linnea. He delighted in their company as well as that of his seven grandchildren, Natalie, Nicole, Claire, Sonia, Nicolas, Delphine and Anabel.
The son of a minister and lifelong pillar of the churches to which he and Faye belonged, Ed devoted his time, energy, faith and love to serving God and caring for God’s children. This took the shape of directing and singing in church choirs throughout his life, as well as serving as a leader in multiple church congregations. Most recently, Ed taught English classes and served on numerous committees at McLean Baptist Church, where he and Faye have been members for 30 years.
Ed was born on February 17, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. His father’s ministry took the family to four different churches in Nebraska and Iowa during his growing-up years. He graduated from Estherville (Iowa) High School in 1958 and later attended Bethel College in St. Paul, MN where he received a Bachelor’s degree in History, Education and Music. His graduate studies were in Economics and Geography at the University of Minnesota and later at the Foreign Service Institute.
Early in Ed’s career, he was on the faculty of Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, where he taught World History and Geography from 1963 to 1969. Ed joined the State Department’s Foreign Service in 1969 and served his country as an economic officer for 27 years. His posts included Spain, Malawi, Sweden, New Orleans, Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil, and several assignments in the Washington, D.C. area. After retiring from the Foreign Service, Ed became Executive Director of Community Ministry of Northern Virginia and worked for the Baptist World Alliance headquarters in Falls Church, VA. He later served as a Board Member of the Children’s Fund for 15 years.
Ed loved history, languages, religion and music. His intellectual interests were broad and deep. His love of music led him to play various instruments and sing in a quartet while in college. He sang in the Bethel College choir, together with Faye, where a highlight was singing for John F. Kennedy at the White House. Ed loved tinkering and fixing things, especially cars, and was eager to offer help when people needed it, in any way he could. His kindness, thoughtfulness, reverence and goodness lives on in the lives of those who knew him and who he helped.
Visitation will be held at McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6pm – 8pm. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 1 at 11am. McLean Baptist Church requests that anyone attending the visitation and/or service please wear masks within the church building. The family would be grateful if, in lieu of flowers, friends would consider making a donation in Ed’s name to the Children’s Fund (childrensfund.net) or the Baptist World Alliance (Baptist World Alliance). Those wishing to send flowers, Money and King recommends Karin's Florist.
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It was such an honor to work with Ed over the course of 15 years when he served on the Childrens’ Fund Board. His insights into various issues were always spot on. Ed was a kind and generous person especially in his sponsorship of orphans and orphanages supported by Childrens’ Fund. Ed and Faye were a great team and always fun to be around. We so enjoyed being part of their anniversary celebration several years ago.
Ed was a true gentleman and scholar. I have fond memories of him with my children playing with his grandchildren in the backyard of his home in Bethesda. He had a genuine concern for people and was a godly man. God bless him and his family. JWM
I graduated high school with Ed and his life was so rich. I received a packet from Faye today including his obit and pictures. I was fortunate to be able to watch his memorial service. So impressive. I can’t reach Faye.
I have numerous days about Ed from our days at Bethel College. Fay I remember the time that Ed informed us he was going to ask you to marry him and showed us the ring. He has been an outstanding person from a small group of room mates. Carol and I extend our sympathy at the loss your life long husband. The memories will remain. Keith McConnell
Ed was the kindest and most gentle man. He was engaging in conversation, an extremely good listener. He will be missed by many of his church friends. John Adams
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