Willard Wesley Olson, 92, passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his kindness toward others and his dry sense of humor.
Will was born in Duluth, Minn., on Aug. 2, 1917, to Fred and Anna Olson. He graduated from Denfeld High School and from the University of Montana with a degree in forestry. Will loved music and was an avid trumpet player all of his adult life. He also was a lifelong sports enthusiast and enjoyed boxing, swimming, skiing and golfing. Other interests included dancing, long walks with his wife and roller-blading.
Will was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in 1941. During World War II, he proudly served his country as an aviator in the South Pacific. Will met his sweetheart, Esther, at a skating rink in Duluth. They married in Seattle in 1943. His 25-year career in the Navy took the family across the country. After retirement in 1965, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he became operations officer for the Kent County Airport.
Will's curiosity and passion for life were only surpassed by his love for his family. He was preceded in death by Esther, his loving wife of 62 years. He is survived by his four children, Karen Kunz of Gray, Maine, Kaye Stickney of Waunakee, Wis., Gwynne Mitchell of Greenfield, N.H., and Byron Olson of Fredericksburg, and their families.
Will is further survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Beverly Tomes of Burnsville, Minn., and his brother, James Olson of Duluth.
A memorial service and burial will take place in Duluth at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Activities Department on Memory Lane at Carriage Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 6106 Health Center Lane, Fredericksburg, Va. 22407, in memory of Willard Olson.
Will and his family care are in the care of Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, Va. 22553.
Online condolences may be expressed at laurelhill funeralhome.com.