C. Arthur Ollie's Obituary
C. Arthur Ollie, 83, of Clinton passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at his home in Clinton, Iowa.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the service time at the church. A light lunch will be served following the service. Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family and online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary www.snellzornig.com.
Clifford Arthur Ollie was born on September 19, 1941 in New York Mills, Minnesota, the son of Clifford Toivo and Genevieve (Downing) Ollie. He married Joyce Carlson on June 5, 1965 in Wolverton, Minnesota. He was a graduate of New York Mills High School in New York Mills, Minnesota. He earned his Associates Degree from Suomi College in Hancock, Michigan, Bachelors Degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa.
Art worked as a teacher in Larimore, North Dakota before moving to Clinton in 1966 and teaching social studies at Washington Middle School until his retirement in 2001. He was an Iowa State Representative from 1982-1996 and served as Chair of the Education Committee starting in 1987.
Art spent many years volunteering for various organizations. Shortly after moving to Clinton he volunteered with the Jaycees and served as the executive director of the Riverboat Days from 1975 to 1979. At Zion Lutheran Church he served on many church committees including the board of trustees. After his retirement he dedicated many hours to building homes by helping to organize the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity as well as actually helping to build the homes.
Recreationally he spent many hours happily in the garage building furniture. He produced many heirloom pieces for family that continue to be used today. He also worked tirelessly helping Joyce transform the yard into a garden paradise. He and Joyce also spent many hours birding.
Art is survived by his wife Joyce Ollie of Clinton; two sons: Jeffrey Ollie of Ankeny, Iowa and Eric Ollie of Ames, Iowa; three grandchildren: Isabel, David and Benjamin Ollie all of Ankeny; and one brother Keith (Kay) Ollie of Moorhead, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Mary Lee Maki and Judy Bentheim.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Iowa Habitat for Humanity.
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