Emmons Olson

Emmons Lavern “Ole” Olson, age 93, formerly of Grantsburg and Danbury, WI, passed away Sunday morning, August 28, 2016 at Comforts of Home Assisted Living in Hudson, WI. Born in Grantsburg on February 24, 1923, Emmons was the son of the late Ernest and Mildred (Erickson) Olson. He attended local schools and was a 1941 graduate of Grantsburg High School. He was quite active in school belonging to the boys’ glee club, the student council, and Future Farmers of America (FFA). He was a news reporter, sang in Grantsburg High School’s mixed chorus, and lettered in football and basketball. Ole served his country in the U.S. Army from April 24, 1943 and was honorably discharged on February 12, 1946. A Tec 4 infantryman and cook, he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. On November 17, 1951, Ole married Joyce Booth in Glenwood City, WI. They lived in East Saint Paul, MN, over thirty years. In 1981, they set up residence at their cabin in the Danbury area, and in 1999, Ole and Joyce moved to Grantsburg. He has lived in Hudson for about a year. Prior to marriage, Ole worked at Montgomery Ward and also was an elevator operator in the cities. He retired in September 1981 after being employed about 40 years with the 3M Corporation. Ole was an active member of the Danbury United Methodist Church. He served as an usher, helped with church bazaars, and helped with building maintenance and snow removal. Ole was also a member of the Grantsburg American Legion post 185 and served on the honor guard. Ole enjoyed playing cards, solitaire, and cribbage, and working on jigsaw puzzles. He loved fishing, tending his yard and gardens, going for walks and admiring the local wild life. He also liked collecting cans for recycling, square dancing, and playing bingo. He enjoyed eating sweets, and looked forward, every day, to having his two beers. An energetic, hard-working, social individual, Ole enjoyed being around people and would lend a helping hand to those in need. He had a positive attitude, but was not afraid to take on a challenge. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Ernest Olson; his wife, Joyce, who passed away April 23, 2011; a brother, Virgil Olson; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Ole is survived by his children: Greg (Loretta Riley) Olson of Schertz TX, and Emmons Jr. (Mary) Connell of Maui Hawaii; grandchildren: Christina (Russ) Tuckner of Harris MN, Corey (Rozanne) Connell of Hawaii, Larry (Cheryl) Elj of Chisolm MN, Kati (Jeremy) Pownell of Hudson WI, and Andrew Riley (Wendi Williams) of Schertz TX; great-grandchildren: Andrew Tuckner, Matt and Josh Nae’ole, Colton Wollin, Lillie Elj, and Lylah Williams. He is also survived by sisters: Marlys (Donald) Chell and Janice Lee, both of Grantsburg; sister-in-law, Doris Olson; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Hult and Pat (Lee) Dorwin; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Ole Olson will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 9:30 am to 11:00 am), Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Danbury United Methodist Church, 7520 Water Street, Danbury, WI 54830, with Pastor Eddie Crise officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Danbury Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be served after the services. Casket bearers are: Jeremy Pownell, Larry Elj, Gary Olson, Bill Schommer, Russ Tuckner, and Earl Mosley. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Croix Hospice, Lean on Me Home Care of Grantsburg, or the Danbury United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.