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Obituary for "Ole" Lawrence A. Olson
Lawrence Olson passed away peacefully on November 30, 2011 at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, WI.
Ole was born on April 6, 1928 in Friendship, WI to Oliver and Sigrid Olson. He grew up in the Adams/Friendship area with 4 older siblings and his family. In 1946 he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 24 years. It was during his time stationed in Washington that he met the love of his life, Liz Eklund. They were married on December 1, 1956. They had one son, Larry and later adopted their daughter, Lynda.
Ole’s Naval career as a Boatswain I, was impressive. He served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He traveled the world through his tour of duty and was proud of his service to this country. He loved to tell stories of the years he spent in Japan and Naples, Italy. He retired in 1970 in Chula Vista, CA and served 6 years as Fleet Reserve. It was after his retirement from the Navy that Liz and Ole moved to Frederic, WI to be near family.
Ole worked for the Village of Frederic in a number of capacities until becoming a Merchant Seaman working on the iron ore carriers of Lake Superior. He served until the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which he was scheduled to be aboard at the time of the ship’s fateful trip. It was then that Ole began to work for the Minnesota State Prison in Stillwater, MN. He retired from the prison in 1993. In 1994 he suffered a massive heart attack and triple bypass surgery. His future was bleak with a prognosis of only another 5 years of life after his surgery. He far surpassed that with his positive attitude, will to live, and the tremendous love and support of family and friends.
Ole loved hunting and fishing and most of all, spending time with friends. He and Liz frequented the Adventures Restaurant in Siren, WI on almost a daily basis during their retirement years. Anyone that came to visit them was treated to a meal at the restaurant, with warm introductions to their friends. They made many dear friends and were so thankful for their “family” at Adventures. Ole’s sense of humor and practical jokes were a delight to many and he continued his antics at the Pioneer Home. He loved the staff there and was truly grateful for the excellent care that he received. Words cannot convey the print he left on the hearts of many. He was just Ole….and he will be greatly missed.
Ole was preceded in death by his loving wife, Liz and his parents. He is survived by his children, Larry and Lynda (Annie); his grandchildren, Heather and Leroy Olson; sister, Betty Christofferson; as well as many brothers-in-law and sisters in- law, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Andrew Hinwood officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Mary Lou Daeffler.
Visitation will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic on Friday, December 2 from 5 to 7:00 PM and again at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service.
Ole will be laid to rest next to his wife, Liz at Maple Grove Cemetery with full Military Honors following the service. Pallbearers assisting will be Gilbert Berg, Leroy Olson, Paul Lindblad, Kevin Lindblad, Jim Meyer and Bob Thorsbakken.
Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com . For additional information call Bruce Rowe at 715-327-4475.
Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
