Donald Wayne Olson, 87, of South Haven, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at his home. He was born November 7, 1930 to Irving and Margaret (Petersen) Olson in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from South Haven High School in 1949.
Donald earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1953. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. Donnie married Janet Christensen on June 25, 1955.
They shared 63 years of marriage. Don co-owned and operated Olson Brothers Construction with David Griffin, George Mescher and Richard Lundy. He worked in general contracting until his retirement in 2000.
Following his retirement, he continued his love of wood working by creating items for summer craft shows. Throughout his career and retirement, Donnie valued his relationship with the daily coffee buddies. His civic service included the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, The Board of Public Utilities, The Construction Board of appeals, Parks Commission Tree Board and Habitat for Humanity.
He was a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church and served on the church council. He also belonged to the Wood Workers Guild of Grand Rapids. Don was the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including: The Dale Patterson Sportsmanship Award, South Haven Athletic Hall of Fame, 2002-2003 Kiwanian of the Year and the 2008 Mayor’s Service Award.
Over the last two years, Don was well cared for by many, including Danielle Allen, Karen Koch, Rhonda Primm, Jody Rogers, Brooke Smith, Stephanie Walker, Mary Webb and the associates from Hospice of Holland. The family appreciates his many loyal friends who provided help, care and comfort in his home. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Thomas Irving Olson.
Donald is survived by; his wife – Janet Olson of South Haven, children – Kimberly (John) DuBois of Kalamazoo, Dawn (Duncan) MacNaughton of Honolulu, Hawaii, Karen (Douglas) Fleming of DeWitt, and Julie (Bryan) Eldring of Winnetka, Illinois, sister – Barbara Jean (Keith) Ditch of Holland, grandchildren – Sarah (Calen) Peterson, Megan (Trevor) Loftus, Erik DuBois, Carly (Jarrod) Deitrich, Jordan Fleming, Ethan, Emma and Aaron Eldring and great granddaughter – Isla Kay Deitrich. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 9th at the Filbrandt Funeral Home in South Haven and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Haven. A Memorial service will follow visitation at 4:00 PM with Pastors Travis Wilson and Robert Linstrom officiating.
A reception will follow at the church. Contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, Michigan 49090, Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Boulevard, Holland, Michigan 49423, or Habitat for Humanity, 56633 M43 Highway, Bangor, Michigan 49013.
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