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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Robert R. Olson, 77, a resident of Tapiola passed away Thursday July 25, 2024, at his home. He was born on November 23, 1946, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late Axel and Celia (Sjoblom) Olson. Robert was raised in Tapiola and was a graduate of the John A. Doelle High School with the class of 1964. Mr. Olson was a veteran having serviced with the United States Army in Germany where he was proud to have reached the rank of E-5. Following his time in the service, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to the former Janet Heikkinen on June 8, 1968. The couple had resided in Warren, MI, Mt. Clemmons, MI, Manistee, MI and St. Joseph, MI as they raised their family. Since 2009 they have made their retirement home on the family homestead in Tapiola.
Mr. Olson worked as a welder and salesperson in the manufacturing industry until his retirement.
Locally, Rob was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Houghton. He was a past president of the Doelle Senior Citizens in Tapiola, instrumental in having the flashing yellow light placed at the Tapiola intersection, and founded the Tapiola 4th of July Parade. He also loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, singing, listening to music and writing short stories. In his younger days, he enjoyed biking and was able to bike across Michigan as well as the full length from the southern border to the northern most tip with Doc Huggett. He was an avid Detroit and MSU sports fan and enjoyed buying, selling, and working on cars.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister Anita Heikkinen and his brothers Phillip, Stuart, Charles, Leonard and Andrew.
Surviving are:
His wife Janet Olson of Tapiola.
His children: Todd (Kelly) Olson of Grand Rapids, MI, Christopher Olson of Colorado Springs, CO, Nathan (Jennifer) Olson of Davison, NC , Adam (Bridget) Olson of Clearwater, FL, and Susan Sherwood of White Cloud, MI.
His grandchildren: Emma (Drew), Hannah, Jacob, Rebecca, Julia, Logan, Tige, Autumn, Noah and Jonah and his great grandchild: Graysen.
His Brother Peter(Gail) Olson of Tapiola His sister-in-law: Lavonne Olson of Tapiola His brother-in-law: Wesley Heikkinen of Wauwatosa, WI Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
A memorial service for Rob will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday July 30, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church of Houghton with Rev. Tom Welch to officiate. Friends may call at Peace Lutheran Church from 10 am until time of service on Tuesday July 30, 2024.
To view Rob’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.
