----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner (Clark County, Wis.) 03/14/2001
 

Olson, Wayne E. (1916 - 2001)

Wayne E. Olson, 85, Curtiss, died on Saturday, March 10, 2001, at his home. Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 14, 2001, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Curtiss. Rev. Lauren Ley officiated. Burial was in the Pine Hill Cemetery, Curtiss, with military rites conducted by Colby VFW Post 2227. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Jeff Lulloff, Nathan Olson, Eric Olson, Ryan Olson, Adam Olson, and a nephew, Duane (Butch) Leu.

Wayne E. Olson was born on Jan. 17, 1916, at home, in the town of Mayville, to Otto and Emma (nee Gish) Olson. He attended school in Curtiss and graduated from Owen High School in 1934. He married Irene Schuette on Aug. 31, 1946, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, in the town of Green Grove. She died on Sept. 8, 1968. He grew up on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather from Norway. He was proud that the farm has been in his family since it was homesteaded. He loved to play baseball and played it with his father and his children. He was a 50-year member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and its Dartball team. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army 87th Field artillery Battalion 2D Battery. He served from 1942 - 1945 in the Pacific Theatre, the Philippines, and Australia. He received the Military Service Award, American Theatre Service Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation service Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.

Survivors include his children, Rev. Dennis (Mary) Olson, Wis. Rapids, Diane (Dennis) Lulloff, Owen, Donna (Larry Klempke) Wellman, Colby, Allan (Elaine) Olson, Curtiss, Robert (Marcy) Olson, La Crosse, Elizabeth Lange, Abbotsford, and Christine (Dan) Rau, Dorchester and 24 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents his wife, Irene one brother, Merwin (Boots) Olson and one sister, Elda Leu.

Maurina Funeral Home, Abbotsford, assisted the family with arrangements.