Wendell Paul Olson, 71, of Nixa MO, passed away on January 28, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Wendell was born on November 11, 1946, in Olean, New York to Alfred and Grace Olson.

Wendell grew up in Port Alleghany, Pennsylvania. He was the third of four children. He attended Lock Haven State College in Pennsylvania; earning his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Mathematics. Wendell taught high school math in New York until 1972 when he underwent a surgery to remove a growth on his pituitary gland. During the surgery he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, resulting in blindness and he had a difficult time adjusting to his new disability. However, in 1981 he moved to Nebraska to earn his certificate to teach blind children, and in 1982 he met and married JoDee, adopted Rachel, and in 1983 Stephanie was born. Wendell shared many happy times with his family over 35 years; he had an amazing sense of humor and loved teaching and playing with children. His favorite hobbies included reading mystery and science fiction novels, playing board games with his family, listening to jazz and country music, and walking with his guide dogs.  He will forever be remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and teacher and will be missed dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Grace (Johnson) Olson, brother, Kurt Olson; sister, Holly Hamed; guide dogs, Jiggs and Fielder.

Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 35 years, JoDee (Iverson) Olson, daughters, Racheal (Quarles, Olson) Godden and Stephanie(Olson) Allen; grandchildren, Pe`li and Harlo Godden, Gavin and Ryker Allen and a brother, Duane Olson.

A Graveside service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 2p.m. at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens (4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO) under the direction of Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte.