Oly was born January 9, 1939, in Ishpeming, a son of Herman E. and Mabel V. (Anderson) Olson. He was a 1956 graduate of the Graveraet High School and attended Northern Michigan University before enlisting in the US Navy. Oly served two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Midway. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Marquette and was employed in the communications industry for 33 years with Michigan Bell Telephone, retiring in 2001. Oly was not only a devoted family man, whose family was his life, but also a man of many talents and facets. An accomplished woodworker, Oly crafted fine home and lawn furniture for his family and friends, and liked nothing more than woodworking with his grandchildren, even building a fort with his grandson, Bodi. He was a master jerry-rigger and was generous with sharing his time and talents with others. When not building, he was baking and cooking dinners for his family. A man of great faith, Oly loved his Lord and showed that love by his kind and gentle manner, possessing a heart of gold, and always with a warm word to share when looking at the day ahead. He did, however, also possess a quick wit and he and wife, Katherine, shared laughter many times each day. And, Oly’s family also included his beloved canine companions.

Oly is survived by his wife of 41 years, Katherine (Riopelle) Olson; his son, Shawn A. Olson of Chicago, IL; his two daughters, LeeAnn (Greg) Kroncich and Tiffany (Sam) Bennett both of Marquette; his grandchildren, Karissa and Tony Kroncich, Shane Gill, and Bodi Bennett; his two cousins, Richard (Melanie) Froling of Green Bay, WI and Susan Ollila of Marquette.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Silver Creek Church in Harvey on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kevin Taylor will officiate and a reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Veteran’s honors will be provided by members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marquette Kennel Club, C/O Mary Lee Kirkum 1405 Woodland Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.