Richard (Dick) Olson, age 85, of Eau Claire passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home, with family by his side.
He was born on July 25, 1935 in Eau Claire, the son of Ray and Helen Olson. He married Katherine (Kitty) Johnson on January 18, 1958 in Eau Claire, WI.
He proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, guarding the Germany-Czech Republic border. After leaving the Army, he went to work at Pope and Talbot, retiring after 40 years in 1997.
Dick and Kitty were married for 55 years, raising 5 children together.
He is survived by his children; Kim (Richard) Insteness, Barbara (Joseph) Gharrity, Lynn (Mick) Christianson, Kay (Pat) Rolbiecki, Brian (Steph) Olson; 10 grandchildren, Traci (Matt) Horn, Kyle (Krista) Christianson, Alex (Jenna) Christianson, Renae (Jake) Christianson, Kevin (Breanna) Gharrity, Katie Gharrity, Robert (Michelle) Gharrity, Monica (Kyle) Rolbiecki-Severson, Amanda (Hudson) Larson, Kendra Olson; 11 great grandchildren, Nathan, Aurora, Henry, Franklin, Clara, Holly, Emmie, Nolan, Sloane, Lainey, Leighton; sister, Rita (Steve) Andrews; brothers, Kenneth (Dee) Olson, Charles Olson; sister-in-law Barbara (Charles) Olsen.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, in-laws, siblings, Clarice, Ione, Evie and Bobby and sister-in-law Margaret.
Dad’s wish has finally come true, and he has been reunited with mom.
Please join us in celebrating the life of our dad May 8th, 2021, from Noon-3:00 pm at Hallie Ridge Estates Recreation Center: 9139 24th Ave South, Eau Claire, WI 54703
From North Hastings Way (Hwy 53) and Eddy Lane:
- Turn West onto Eddy Lane from Hastings Way
- Turn Right onto Starr Avenue
- Turn Left onto North Lane/Airport Road
- Turn Left onto 90th Street.
- Hallie Ridge Estates ahead on Right
Uncle Dick, may you Rest In Peace and may perpetual light shine upon you. You were a true man, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. You will be missed. We love you…. Go bears!!!!
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Dick. I worked with Dick for many many years at the papermill and enjoyed that time spent together. He was a great guy and will be missed. . .
We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a good friend of ours, as was Kitty. We are thankful for the hours and hours of conversation and fun we had with both of them at the VFW over the years. Dick loved to relive the days when “the boys” played football, and all the camaraderie that went along with travelling to the games. He was a good man, and will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
-Tom and Steph Schultz
We’ll miss you dad. I hope you and mom are looking down proudly at us.
Uncle Dick, you left us( your family) with many fantastic memories we will cherish.
I know you are happily reunited with many who went before you.
My heartfelt condolences Kim, Barb, Lynn, Kay and Brian and families.
With love, Diane
I’m so sorry to hear about Dicks passing, I always enjoyed visiting with him. I will always remember him and Clarice bickering like brother and sisters do.
dick will be missed by every one that knew him well! He was honest,hard working and a great family man. He and kitty’s love affair was very special.he told me two weeks before he passed that he was ready to join her.not many people experience the love they shared for the many years they shared it. In 1954 we joined the army and were stationed in Germany together we had many great times together.I will always value our friendship. May he and kitty rest in peace
So sorry for your loss! We will always remember Dick coming down our road on his tractor to Kay & Pat’s house, and the big smile and wave he’d give when we said hello from next door. May he Rest In Peace! Wishing you all peace & strength during this difficult time.
With our sympathy to you all, from, your old neighbors on Laddie Road.
We will always remember your dad, Dick and mom, Kitty.
We had so much fun together back in the day!
Your dad and Mike shared many hours at the picnic table where our two back yards met, having a cold beer and solving the world’s problems!
With love, Sonja and Mike