Donald “Don” Julian Olson, age 93, entered into everlasting life in the early morning of April 16, 2023 in Tomahawk, surrounded by his family.
Donald was born Oct. 29, 1929, in Appleton, Wis., to Louis and Cora (Floistad) Olson of Waupaca, Wis. He was raised on a farm which instilled a strong work ethic from early age on. He worked on the farm with his family until the age of 22 when he joined the Army and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a CPL in 1957. As a result of his service, he was able to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2015. He married Deloris Huff in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1968. Don worked in multiple aspects of farming and maintenance ending his maintenance career at Lake Woods Resort in Cable, Wis. In his later years, he and Deloris were Caretakers for the developmentally disabled before retiring in 2005 to Seeley, Wis.
They enjoyed feeding and watching the wildlife in their backyard, visiting lifelong friends and hosting many get-togethers. They traveled to Florida in the winters and visited with his brother-in-law, Bill (sister-in-law Lois) Huff and brother-in-law Earl Huff and families. In 2011 they relocated to Tomahawk, where they resided until the time of their passing and where they were long time members of Grace Lutheran Church.
Don was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan. He attended the "Ice Bowl" game at Lambeau Field in 1967. His last visit to Lambeau was on his 77th birthday. It was a gift from his grandson Jamie Mork, who accompanied him. Don will always be remembered as the "fix it guy.” He even carried tools around in the pouch of his walker. He was a good man, a loving father, a stubborn Norwegian who embraced his heritage – "UFFDA"
Don is survived by his sons, Rick Olson of Texas, Mike Olson of Texas, Phil (Susan Anderson) Olson of Wisconsin, David (Kelly) Olson of Texas, Quincy (Edna) Olson of Texas; stepdaughters, Cheryl (Bryan) Beaudreau of Wisconsin, Susan (Sam) Wilson Borsellino of Wisconsin, Dorleen (John) Pickett of Wisconsin, Janet Wilson of Wisconsin; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers- in-law, Bill (Lois) Huff, Earl Huff, Bradley Huff; sister-in-law, Darlene Chaney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife Deloris; his parents, Louis and Cora Olson; his mother and father-in-law, William and Edna Huff; his siblings, Leroy Olson, Clayton (Della) Olson, Myrtle (Howell) Lane, Lila (Donald) Dayton; brother-in-law, Edward Chaney; nephew, Kelly Hansen; and niece, Brenda Chaney.
A funeral service was held for Donald at 11 a.m. at the Hayward Funeral Home on Saturday, April 22, 2023. A visitation was held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment was at the Seeley Riverside Cemetery and a luncheon followed the burial at the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley, Wis.
Online condolences may be left for Donald’s family at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com.
