Stuart Olney Obituary

Surprise baby and youngest of six, Stuart March Olney was born on July 12, 1937 to Elsa and H.B. Olney in East Chicago, Indiana, in a hospital his father had built; his eldest brother was 20 years his senior. Stuart's blood type was Cubbie blue. A strict disciplinarian, H.B. demanded that his children learn the value of hard work. At only six years old, Stuart worked in his dad's construction company pulling nails out of wood for a penny a nail. Later in life, Stuart would work for Inland Steel where he cleaned the blast furnace between firings. His time in the furnace was limited as long exposure to the heat was potentially life-threatening. His fondest memories of childhood centered around the family's home at Windy Hill. He spoke lovingly of the late nights, the player piano, the swing that seemed to stretch over the lake and of course, his beloved boxer, Boots. There he played with his cousin Jeanne, lifelong friend Alan Johnson and his sister, Nancy. He enjoyed many games at Wrigley.
After graduating from high school, Stuart pursued a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University. There, he would fall in love with one of the great loves of his life, Indiana basketball. In his sophomore year, friends set him up with Dianne Radich, a senior at Roosevelt High School. Both he and Dianne went on to graduate from Indiana. Like his brothers before him, Stuart completed military service. During his three-year period with the United States Army in Germany, he flew Dianne over to get married in 1962. After a brief stint selling insurance, he followed his young wife into teaching and received a master's degree in education from De Paul in 1966.
He began teaching accounting at Niles East High School in 1966. In 1967, he welcomed his daughter, Ronna Elizabeth. Son, George March followed in 1969. Bonny Beagle would arrive later. In 1972, he became a department chair at Proviso East High School. In addition to enjoying his teaching at East and meeting many wonderful students, he became a lifelong fan of Proviso East basketball. He volunteered as a scorekeeper and witnessed several state championships. He was fortunate enough to see a number of basketball legends play high school basketball. He shared the experience with his daughter. After over two decades of teaching, he retired in 1994.
In retirement, he enjoyed baseball games with fellow members of the "Cubs Club" and his daughter. Indiana basketball would never achieve the greatness of the 1976 season, but he still dreamed of a national championship. His greatest joy, however, began in 2002 when he took on his favorite role, Grandpa. Elise arrived first. Colette came in 2005. Harrison was next in 2009. Colton was last in 2012. Each one was special to him. He shared a love of history with Elise, a love of baseball with Colette, and a love of golf and hockey with Harrison and Colton. His grandpups: Henry, Friday and Franny loved him as well.
Stuart died on May 4, 2025. His wife of 63 years, his daughter and his son-in-law, Eric were at his side. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne; his cherished children, Ronna (Eric Kopfstein) and George (Sandy); his adored grandchildren, Elise and Colette (Kopfstein), Harrison and Colton, and a legion of nieces and nephews who describe him as their favorite uncle. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, one nephew and his dear cousin, Jeanne. A memorial gathering will be held at Mc Murrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville, Illinois on May 20th from 10:00 a.m. until noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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