The Wisconsin – and the nation’s – agriculture industry is mourning the loss of Bob Oleson who died April 1, 2025, at the age of 83.   

As a founding director of the United Soybean Board, Oleson was a pillar of the soybean and corn industry in Wisconsin. A strong advocate for biofuels, Oleson’s passion for agriculture was evident throughout his life. He was a tireless advocate for Wisconsin farmers, serving as executive director of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association and the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board. Oleson’s leadership extended nationally as a member of the U.S. Feed Grains Council, National Corn Growers Association Board and National Corn Development Foundation. In 2007, he received the Honorary Recognition Award from the College of Ag and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated with honors in 1963. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Palmyra United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  

Read the full obituary here.