Dr. Marvin Wollen

May 3, 1932 – September 10, 2013

If you had a charity event to support or needed a civic leader's muscle behind a project to make Olathe and Johnson County a better place to live, Doc Wollen was the man to call. A good friend, a loving husband, and a proud father, Marvin E. Wollen has died at the age of 81.

Dr. Wollen was a well-known and respected optometrist in Olathe for forty-eight years. Born and raised in Garnett, KS, he was the youngest son of Samantha Iva and George Wollen. He played sports for Ottawa University and graduated from the Southern School of Optometry in 1956. He and his college sweetheart Sally took up residence in Olathe and he began building his practice.

A proud and active Rotarian for over fifty years, he was also a mover and shaker for Grace United Methodist Church, an announcer of the Old Settler's Day Parade, and a member of many boards vital to the wellbeing of the Johnson County area. One accomplishment he took great pride in was his service as a Johnson County Park and Recreation Board Commissioner including a term as chair. He also enjoyed an appointment as a Trustee of the National Parks and Recreation Association.

However, Dr. Wollen will be most remembered by thousands of children for his role as Santa Claus. He was talked into being the "right jolly old elf" for the first time by his oldest daughter's kindergarten teacher. The suit and the part was a natural fit for him and he continued to entertain Olathe School District children as well as appearing at numerous charity and community events as Santa for a total of forty-nine years. He is also known for his support of local football teams with his infamous watermelon feeds during summer practices.

In honor of his contributions to the community, Dr. Wollen was the recipient of the coveted "Mr. Olathe" recognition from the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored with the Olathe Commerce Bank Community Service Award in 2010.

Not being one to take it easy in retirement, over the last few years, Dr. Wollen was an employee of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Homes and happily performed as a member of the Trails West Barbershop Chorus.

Doc leaves behind a host of people who dearly loved him. Besides Sally, his wife of sixty-one years, he is survived by his daughters, Cathy Maxwell, Terri Wilke, and Tammi Watkins, his son-in-law Darryll Watkins and his grandchildren Chelsea Maxwell Maerzluft and her husband Daniel, Andrew Maxwell and his fiancée Holly, Samantha Maxwell Leon and her husband Diego, Ashley Watkins and her significant other Xavier, Parker Watkins and his significant other Shantenie, Ally Wilke, his great grandchildren Trinity Sencindiver and Zavier Leon, and his sister Alberta and her husband Lester Schulte as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Those whom he loved who have predeceased him include his daughter Cindy Wollen, his son-in-law Kevin Maxwell, his parents, his sister Juanita Webber, and his brothers George Wollen and Olin Wollen.

Since Dr. Wollen married into a florist's family, the family welcomes flowers. Memorials can be made to Grace United Methodist Church or the Hospice House of Olathe Medical Center, OMCCF , 20375 West 151st Street , Suite 363 ~ Olathe KS 66061 (please place the word "hospice operations" in the memo section of your gift).