Obit: Olson, Orlando L. #2 (1929 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Amacher, Bastianson, Greshner, Olson, Pipkorn, Rohmeyer, Uchiyama

----Source: The Owen-Withee Enterprise (Owen, WI) 7/03/2016

Olson, Orlando "Ole" Leonard (6 FEB 1929 - 2 JUL 2016)

Orlando "Ole" Leonard Olson, age 87, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen (607 E. 4th St.). Rev. Nancy Amacher will officiate.

Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 AM until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Military Honors will be provided by Lublin American Legion Post #547, Owen American Legion Post #123 and Owen-Withee Vets Club.

Orlando was born on February 6, 1929 in Blue Earth, MN, to Floyd and Julia "June" (Bastianson) Olson and moved to the Owen-Withee area as a young boy, where he then lived nearly his entire life.

Orlando had an adventurous life and multiple careers that led him on travels throughout the country and world. He served in the U.S. Army for 10 years which brought him to Japan in 1950, a tour of duty that ultimately changed the rest of his life, because it was there that he met his beloved wife of 63 years, Sayoko Uchiyama.

Orlando and Sayoko married in Japan in 1953 and began their family there before moving back to Owen in 1955 at the end of Orlando's military service to raise their growing family. He took pride in working hard to raise his family, and to establish his farm and recycling businesses. He also had careers with Motorola, road construction companies and held sales positions with several other companies.

Orlando was an honest and virtuous man who always enjoyed a good conversation about the news and politics of the day; who always spoke his mind honestly; who never left a conversation without telling a joke to make you smile; who was a colorful storyteller; and who could be counted on to lend a hand when you needed him. Whether a long-time friend or a new acquaintance, he made a profound impression on anyone who met him with his thoughtful insights, his hearty laugh, and warm smile.

Orlando is survived by his wife, Sayoko; their children: Pauline (George) Rohmeyer, Arlene (Mike) Greshner, Julie Pipkorn, Orlando (Jackie) Olson, Robert (Wendy) Olson, Thomas (YoAnna) Olson, and William (Angela) Olson; his brother, Francis "Butch" (Kathy), his sister-in-law, Judy Olson.

He was blessed to be called "Grandpa Ole" by 23 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 11 step-great-grandchildren. Orlando and Sayoko loved bringing their family together and annual gatherings regularly brought over 100 people together to celebrate.

Orlando is preceded in death by his son, Floyd, his great-grandchildren Ryder and Kyanna, his parents Floyd and Julia, his brothers Edward and Oliver, his sister Margarite and his son-in-law Randolph Pipkorn.