Gordon Richard Olson

Gordon R. Olson, age 89, died March 10, 2015, at Oakwood Manor in Oshkosh.He was born May 29, 1925, in Knapp, Wisconsin. He was the son of Albert and Martha (Tietz) Olson. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1943. He then joined the U.S. Army serving his country in the European Theater during W.W. II. He was honored with two presidential citations, four battle stars, two invasion arrowheads, the French Coeur d'querre, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. He fought in the Battle ofAnzio in Italy and in the Battle of Southern France. With the G.I. Bill, he attended River Falls State Teachers' College and pursued a career in education and coaching. He continued his education at UW Superior and UW Madison earning a degree in Business and Administration. On August 19, 1950, he married Lorraine M. Thannum and they both then accepted teaching positions in Mauston where they raised five children living there for 59 years. Gordon was employed by the school district as a teacher, coach, principal, and eventually business manager and assistant superintendent. After he retired in 1987, the Gordon R. Olson Middle School in Mauston was named in his honor and that same year he was named Mauston's Citizen of the Year.In 2009, due to health reasons, they moved to Oshkosh to be near theirchildren. Gordon found much joy in frequent family gatherings especially theannual Olson Open Family Reunion. He delighted in being a proud father of fivewonderful children, grandfather of eleven, and great grandfather of three.Gordon was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, the American Legion,Anzio Beachhead Veterans, the Retired Teachers' Association, the Hess MemorialHospital Board, the Juneau County Historical Society, and the Lion's Club. He wasan ardent fisherman, hunter, and sports enthusiast with a special appreciation forthe North woods, the Chippewa Flowage, and the Canadian Boundary Waters. Hewas especially fond of the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. His sense of humor andkindness will be sorely missed.Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Lorraine, the love of hislife; his four children: Tim (Terry) Olson, Tom (Elizabeth) Olson, Terri (Steve)Wilcox, and Kristi (Richard) Murphy; his daughter-in-law, Belinda Olson; his elevengrand children: Ryan, Bethany, Charlie, Grace, Clare, Emily, Sarah, Alex, Joey, Kiira,and Christopher; and his three great grandchildren: Soren, Hadley, and Brendan.He is also survived by two sisters: Elfreda Burich and Norma Frenette. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd; brothers, Stan, Howard, and Ray; and sister, Lorraine Devine. There will be a private family memorial service at a later date. Burial will be at Forest Hills Cemetery in Chippewa Falls with full military honors. A special thanks to all the wonderful staff at Oakwood Manor, Heartland Hospice, and Bluestone Physicians for their sincere love and care given to Gordon. The family asks that should friends and relatives wish to honor his memory, they do so by supporting any entity which enriches the lives of children.