Matthew A. "Matt" Oleson

   Our beloved, Matt Oleson, 57, of Sioux City, died Saturday, September 10, 2022 surrounded by his family. He passed away knowing that he would be reunited with TJ, Judy, and Sharon. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Holy Cross Parish-Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3012 Jackson St., Sioux City. Matt’s funeral mass will be live streamed, and can be viewed at either of the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/holycrossparishsc/live/

https://holycrosssc.org/matthew-a-matt-oleson-funeral

Father David Hemann will officiate. Following the funeral service there will be a luncheon at the St. Michael Parish Center, 2223 Indian Hills Dr. Visitation with the family present will be from 4-7 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., on Friday evening all at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

   Matt was born September 10, 1965 in Dubuque, Iowa; he is the son of Earl and Judy (Cundiff) Oleson. Matt graduated from North High School in 1984.  There he made lifelong friends! After he graduated from high school, he attended the University of Iowa and Briar Cliff College for 1 year each. Matt then began working at Harkers in Le Mars.

   On August 10, 1991 he married Dawn Peterson in Le Mars; marrying Dawn helped get him focused.  He then completed his teaching degree at WestMar College in Le Mars, IA in 1993. Matt taught 5^th grade in Merrill IA, from 1993-2003.  He always said it was the best community in which to work. After moving to Sioux City, he was hired and taught Science at West Middle from 2004-2014.  While teaching, he finished his master’s degree in technology in 2008. 

   Matt told every student that he loved them and supported their dreams. He put all his energy into making learning fun, yet useful in remembering. He would say, “I shouldn’t get paid for something I love doing!” After he left teaching, he missed those student relationships, but loved when there were some who could reconnect with him.

   Matt and Dawn had three beautiful children. Together, they instilled values, family, and faith, which was so important to them as parents. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and personal experiences with them. Watching them mature and experience life was his greatest reward.  

   He cared deeply about family, friends, and his pets. He is survived by his wife Dawn; daughters: Brooke and Rachel; father, Earl Oleson (Karen); younger sister, Pam Ashley (Aaron); older brother, Bill Oleson (Ruth); sister-in-law, Lisa Brown (Lonny); brother-in-law, Heath Peterson (Sara); niece: Terah; four nephews: Daniel, Brody, Jack, and Logan; and father-in-law, Gary Peterson (Jane). He also has many meaningful aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   He is preceded in death by his son TJ Oleson; mother, Judy Oleson; and mother-in-law, Sharon Peterson.

   All gifts received in honor of Matt will be used at the discretion of his family.

   We know he was a believer in Jesus Christ our Lord and savior and we will celebrate his life.