Robert “Bob” Arthur Oleen, 96, lifetime resident of Dwight, Kansas passed away at his home Sunday, August 31, 2014.
Bob was born on April 26, 1918 in Falun, KS, the son of Hjalmer and Selma (Forslund) Oleen. He graduated from Falun High School and Wichita Business College.
Bob married the love of his life, Florence Johnson, in Salina, KS on January 14, 1944. Florence preceded him in death on December 17, 1996. In addition to his parents, his brother, Carroll Oleen, and his sister, Lillian Haden, also preceded him in death.
Survivors include his four children: Jan (Jeanie) Oleen of Dwight, KS; Kent (Lana) Oleen of Manhattan, KS; Arden (Meg) Oleen of Dwight, KS; and Diane Oleen of Kansas City, MO. He has 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
At age 8, Bob lost a leg in a farming accident; however, the loss never deterred his quest for knowledge or his formidable work ethic. Earlier this year, Bob was named the “Oldest Kansas Worker” by the Kansas Department of Commerce, and he was to be interviewed by CNN this week regarding his impressive work history.
Bob wore “many a hat” in his lifetime as a banker, farmer, insurance agent, tax preparer, and real estate broker. He was the current Chairman of the Board of Farmers State Bank in Dwight, where his son, Jan, serves as president. Despite his numerous accomplishments and accolades, Bob was most proud of his family and their personal and professional successes.
Bob was a member of Marion Hill Lutheran Church; a founding board member for the Tri-County Telephone Association, serving as its treasurer for 26 years; a member of the Kansas Bankers Association for 77 years; a Trustee for the Morris County Hospital for 16 years; and a member of Dwight City Council, where he served as City Clerk for a number of years.
At his request, Bob was cremated, and a memorial Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2014, at Marion Hill Lutheran Church, White City, KS. A family inurnment service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Hill Lutheran Church or the Dwight Library. They may be sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, Kansas 66846.