Edward Cooper Olson

Edward Cooper Olson, age 90, passed away July 13, 2020 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  He was born June 7, 1930 to Nils Olaf Olson and Marion Elizabeth Cooper Olson in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He graduated from Classical High School in Worcester, MA, class of 1948.  He received a BS in Physics in 1952 from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA and a PHD in Astronomy from Indiana University (Bloomington) in 1961.  He served our country in the United States Army from 1953 - 1955 as a PFC.  Ed married Margaret Jean Edmondson in 1959.  Ed was a Physical Instructor for Worcester Polytechnic Institute from 1952-1953, an Astronomy Professor at Smith College in Norhampton MA from 1961 - 1964, as well as an Astronomy Professor for Rensselaer Polytech Institute from 1964 - 1966.  Ed was an Astronomy Professor at the University of Illinois from 1966 until his retirement in 1994.  He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing, cross country skiing, music, reading and Photography.  He was a member of Sierra Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nils and Marion Olson; brothers, Dick and Don Olson.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret Jean Olson; sons, Eric and Jeffrey Olson; 7 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Please send memorial contributions to the Alzheimers Association.

Thank you to all the caregivers and staff of the Memory Care unit at The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho.

Services will be held at a later date, as well as burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery.