Weldon (Weldy) Olson
FINDLAY, OH – The final buzzer sounded for hockey great Weldon (Weldy) Olson, a two-time Olympic hockey medalist (Gold and Silver). He was a brother, husband, uncle, father, and grandpa who married the girl next door and the love of his life, Helen (Robertson), nearly 63 years ago following his final Olympic appearance.
Weldy, 90, a native of Marquette, Michigan and long-time resident of Findlay, Ohio, passed away on May 13th, 2023.
Born November 12th, 1932, he was the youngest of Ida (Anttila) and Frank Olson’s eleven children.
Weldy was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers (Wesley, Allan, Paul, Gordy, Eddie, Roy, and Ted) and two sisters (Ruth and Virginia).
He is survived by his wife, Helen; one brother, Mark; three sons, Scott (Lynn), Greg (Cheryl) and Keith (Toni) and seven grandchildren. In October 2022, Weldy and brother Mark had a weekend celebration of 185 years of birthdays (90 and 95 respectively) along with 79 relatives.
Weldy graduated from John D. Pierce high school in Marquette, Michigan and then attended Michigan State University (1951-1955) where he played every hockey game, was named MVP and Co-Captain, and held the school scoring record of 125 points. He went on to play on the 1956 Olympic Hockey team in Cortina, Italy, winning his Silver Medal. He then played on three national teams before winning his Gold Medal with the 1960 Olympic team in Squaw Valley, California, the first time the USA won a Gold Medal in hockey.
Following his Olympic career he served as an ice hockey coach, referee, official, board member and league administrator at various levels. He is in six Hall of Fames. His adopted hometown of Findlay celebrated Weldy Olson night on November 2nd, 2018. When asked which hockey game was his favorite he always answered, “the 1966 game in Pekin, Illinois”, the only time he played on a team with his eight brothers and six of his nephews, beating the Pekin Stars 14-5 for a March of Dimes benefit game.
Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, June 10th, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am, Rev. Kevin Taylor will officiate. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. Interment will be in the Park Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed in remembrance of Weldy to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay Ohio 45840.