It is with great sadness the family of Donald Harvey Olsen announce that, after a short illness, he peacefully passed on May 1, 2022, at the age of 92.
Don was born in Wittenberg, Wisconsin on March 5, 1930, son of Arthur and Vera (Goglin) Olsen. Don married his high school sweetheart, Jean Frances Yaeger, on May 31, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wittenberg. Don served in the Army in Korea with the 45th Infantry Division from 1953 to 1954. After his stint in the Army, Don and Jean moved to Shawano, where they raised three children, Steve, Chris and Debbie.
Don graduated from UW-Steven’s Point with a Bachelor’s Degree, and earned his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison. He was well known at Shawano High School for teaching history and geography. Some students may remember that he also taught drivers education, and was the boys and girls golf team coach for many years. Don has been inducted into the Shawano Coaches Hall of Fame.
After teaching for 36 years, Don retired to play golf and enjoy their home on the Wolf River. There was even a picture in the local Shawano Paper that showed Don and a couple of friends hammering tees into the frozen ground in December at the Shawano Lake Golf Course. Eventually, he and Jean would travel south to avoid the frozen fairways. In time, Don’s adventures became less arduous, mostly involving friends doing “pie runs” to nearby towns.
Don was a gifted story teller. He will be remembered for his ability to tell riveting stories of his boyhood and his time in the Army. One of Don’s treasured memories was an “honor flight” trip to Washington DC, celebrating his Korean War service. He joined some 80 other veterans on the emotionally charged one-day trip.
Those left behind to cherish Don’s memory include his wife of 70 years, Jean; three children, Steve (Alice) Olsen, Chris (Jim) Creek Conrad, and Debbie (Tim) Johnson; six grandchildren, Samantha (Levi), Aaron (Meredith), Tony, Andy (Kara), Michael, and Lauren; five great grandchildren, Liam, Jordan, Olive, Arthur, and Evelyn. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him to his heavenly home were his parents Arthur and Vera Olsen; his brothers, Leroy (Claire) Olsen, Harold (Vivian) Olsen, Lyle (Flo) Olsen, and Robert Olsen; his sister, Dorothy (Russell); and his nephew, Rob.
A memorial service for Don will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 11:00 am at Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano. Pastor Uriah Williams will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 and continue until the time of service. Full military honors will be conducted at the church by Shawano AmVets Post #10.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Old Glory Honor Flight and Peace United Church of Christ.
“Don’s family would like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center, ThedaCare Hospice, and Evergreen Health Services for their dedication, care, and compassion.”