John Olson volunteers at Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano and will be involved Saturday in the “Peaceful Palettes Fine Arts & Crafts Exhibit.”
Olson was born in La Crosse, graduating from La Crosse Central High School. He sold shoes at Nobil Shoes in Green Bay for two years and then went to Freeport, Illinois, and worked for four years in a variety store. Olson then was sent to train at a bigger store in La Port, Indiana, where he co-managed a store for a year and a half. Then he went to to Lockport, Illinois, and ran a family store for two years. His next stop was in Suring at the Farmer’s Mercantile for two years, followed by six years as a buyer for Shawano Farm & Home.
Olson switched to a cooking career, first at The Timbers Supper Club for five years, followed by the Best Western for a year and a half, and then the Homestead Café for six years, the last three as the owner. He retired for a short time and then worked at the Country Plate Express in Bonduel for five years. His last job was at Dairy Queen in Shawano for three years before retiring again.
Olson also helped his wife of 43 years, Chris, with her business, Applewood Kennels, at their home in the town of Richmond. They have three children. They like to camp and show their dogs. Olson likes to paint with watercolors and acrylics and carves on Corian scraps.
Q How do you help the church?
A “I served on the council for two terms. I’m the chairperson of the inreach/outreach program. This year, I made the chili for the chili dinner. I help Gary Gurnee out in the art room. I have helped at Sunday School.”
Q What do you do?
A “On the council, we guide the church. For the inreach/outreach, we organize the church events and find the volunteers. Our art program is part of the inreach/outreach. Gary started it. People can come down on Monday nights. It’s open to the public. Moms bring kids. Young people come down. Local artists come down for conversation and to paint. It’s an inspiring place to go, and people can paint at their own speed. Gary can help them, and the church supplies all the stuff they need. We have the Peaceful Palettes art exhibit to fund the art program. That will help supply our art room and pay for the show. This is the third year, and it has been very successful.”
Q Who will be at the art show?
A “This year we have 33 artists in photography, oil, acrylic and watercolor painters, Native American pottery, and jewelry. Upstairs will be painters, and downstairs will be crafts and food. We get help from church people showing people around.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I like to do it and I don’t mind the work. When you’re having fun, it isn’t work, and the church appreciates it.”
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