|
Light a Candle
Charles (Chuck) Olson was the quintessential happy-go-lucky guy that everyone loved to be around. He was kind-hearted, easy going and funny. He was also a wonderful grandfather -- patient, supportive, engaging and endulgent.
Chuck was very ill in recent years which put a damper on his joviality. May his good-nature prevail as he enters the pearly gates and contiues to raz those in heaven.
----------------
Chuck was born in Pine Island on July 26, 1939 to Glen and Eileen (Barth) Olson. He grew up in Pine Island and graduated High School as part of the class of 1957. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Navy and spent a stint in Japan until his term ended in 1960.
In 1963 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany for the majority of his 17yr career. In April 1966, he married Ava (Gerda Wagner) in Bad-Kreuznach, Germany then was sent to Vietnam for the first of two tours of duty. While serving his country he was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star.
Chuck moved his wife and three children to Minneapolis in 1979 where he was stationed until his honorable discharge as SFC in 1980. After 15 years as Warehouse Manager for Pioneer Rim & Wheel in Minneapolis he retired in 2002 at the age of 63.
He lived in Shakopee with Ava and his daughter, Christina, son-in-law, Dean and granddaughter, Alex for 5 years before relocating with them to Beverly, MA in 2005.
In 2007 on a visit back to MN, he became ill and was in the VA Hospital for over a year recovering from a below-the-knee amputation. His health rapidly declined. The past few years he resided at the Anoka Rehabilitation and Living Center.
Chuck was a tough cookie. Recovering from major health complications again and again -- two heart attacks, whipple surgery, quadruple bi-pass surgery, an amputation, colon surgery and a shattered hip. But his body had become frail and dimentia was becoming prevalent.
To the heartbreak of his family, his heart finally gave out and he passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 around 8am. Chuck would have celebrated his 74th birthday three weeks later.
His children would like to invite all that knew and loved him to celebrate and share memories of his life -- Please add your photos and stories to this memorial site and join us at his funeral.
Funeral scheduled for Friday, July 19, 2013 at Washburn-McReavy, Nokomis Park Chapel in Minneapolis.
Visitation from 10:00-11:00am
Memorial Service beginning at 11:00am
Inurnment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery lane #5 with Military Honors at 12:45
Gathering will follow (specifics to be announced)
