Kirk Allan Olson, 61, died Wednesday, October 1, 2026 in Cherokee, Iowa.

Kirk was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 31, 1964, and was adopted by Leslie Olson and Faye (Larsen) Olson shortly after his birth. He was soon joined by a sister, Karen.

He married Kendra Zirbel in 1992, and they later divorced. From this union came a daughter, Katherine, of whom he was very proud.

Kirk attended North High School in Sioux City for his freshman through junior years, where he excelled on the varsity swim team. He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri in 1983.

Shortly after graduating, Kirk enlisted in the Army. He was briefly stationed in Germany before being discharged due to his mental illness.

Kirk was extremely intelligent—truly wicked smart. This was sometimes overlooked because of his mental illness, but anyone who really knew him knew how bright he was. He had an incredible mind and could be very insightful.

Kirk was also very musically talented and had perfect pitch. He played piano and guitar, and while in school he also played the drums. He had a beautiful singing voice. While he was at his last home, a rehabilitation center, he would play the piano and sing for the other residents and staff.

He enjoyed following sports, particularly football. He was an Iowa Hawkeye and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Kirk also had a strong faith in God which was important to him. He was active in his church in LeMars and very much enjoyed the fellowship there.

Family was very important to Kirk. He kept his family in his thoughts and cared about what was happening in their lives. He will be missed.

He is survived by his mother, Faye McConnell and husband Mac, sister Karen Johnson and her husband Eric, two nephews, Jared and Justin, and daughter Katherine. He was preceded in death by his father Leslie Olson.

It was Kirk's wish to be cremated. There will be no services at this time. The Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements.