John A Olson was born May 13, 1925 to Charles and Clara (Hoeffs) Olson in Belle Plaine, WI. In the 1920s the Olsons bought a farm near Underhill WI, where John lived much of his life.
John attended Mosling Grade School and graduated from Gillett High School in 1943. At this time John enlisted in the Navy. After service John attended college in Lansing MI when he was recruited to help deliver a saw mill to Weippe ID. While in Weippe, Mr. Olson found himself called to assist in putting out a fire in Weippe. This same evening a sixteen year old young lady named Kathleen White stopped to see the commotion where she met the love of her life. Kathy finished High School and John Olson went on to work for Nash Auto in Milwaukee. John and Kathleen wrote to each other during this entire time. They never forgot the fire that was kindled in their first meeting. Mr. Olson returned to the northwest to claim the love he couldn’t forget. The couple were married April 14, 1951 (Easter) and left for WI the following day.
John and Kathy raised two children on a farm near Underhill WI. In 1979 John sold the farm land and began working for Linwood Lumber in Mosling, and later Burkel Inc. in Oconto Falls WI, where he retired at the ripe age of 80 years old.
John was always interested in collecting American military memorabilia. In 2011, John had the privilege of flying to Washington DC on the Honor Flight. A few years ago John rode in a vintage Army Jeep to help lead the 4th of July parade.
In early 2014, John and Kathy both became residents of the Woodlands Nursing Home of Gillett. Later that same year, John lost his wife of 63 years. John was relocated to Appleton WI to be closer to his children where he resided until his passing.
John is survived by a son, Stephen and a daughter, Laurel both of Appleton WI., sister-in-law, Anna Mae Olson (Two Rivers), nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends and extended family members.
John’s father, mother, and three brothers preceded him in death.
John and Kathy were members of the EUB church of Gillett, and later the Tabor United Methodist church for the remainder of their lives.
John was quiet and a dedicated family man, who will be missed by his loved ones.
Friends and relatives may call on the family on Monday, March 12, 2018 from 10 to 10:45 AM at the TABOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (120 West Main St, Gillett, WI 54124). A funeral service with Pastor David Farina will be held at 11 AM. Full military honors will take place immediately following the service. Interment will be in Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery.
Services
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Visitation
Tabor United Methodist Church
120 West Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
Monday, March 12, 2018
10 to 10:45 AM
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Funeral Service
Tabor United Methodist Church
120 West Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
Monday, March 12, 2018
11 AM
Military Honors to follow
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Final Rest
Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery
South Elm Street
Gillett, WI 54124
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