Robert G. “Bob” Olson, age 71, of 217 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, (formerly of Stonington) passed away unexpectedly Monday morning May 4, 2009 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba of an apparent heart attack.
Robert was born February 28, 1938 in Gladstone the son of Lloyd and Elsie ( Anderson ) Olson. Bob was raised in Gladstone and on the Anderson family farm in Ensign. Following graduation from Gladstone High School in 1956, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed at Goose Bay Air Force Base in Labrador. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, Bob returned to Stonington and married the former MaryJane Bjurman on October 21, 1961 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington .
Bob and MaryJane made their home in Stonington where they raised their 4 children. They would always camp during the summer at Twin Springs, where Bob would commute between work and the campground. Bob worked for 20 years as a Parts Manager for Town & Country Motors, then went to work for Coyne Chevrolet and continued working for Riverside Chevrolet. Following his retirement, he continued to work part time for Riverside Auto Group.
Bob was a community leader and event planner in Stonington for many years. He organized the Stonington Horseshoe League from the early 70’s until present. He served as the past Bay De Noc Township Supervisor, Member of the Stonington Booster Club, member of the Michigan Township Association and the Delta County Township Association. He was also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington and the Rapid River American Legion Post #301.
Bob was proud of his Swedish heritage and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His hobbies included golfing, going to the casino, playing horseshoes, playing cards, hunting and sharing his humor.
Survivors include:
Son: Randy Olson of Stonington
2 daughters: Donna (Mark) Sundstrom of Stonington and Linda (Kelly) Wicklund of Rapid River
2 brothers: Armand of Gladstone and Kenny of Milwaukee
2 sisters: Helen (Richard) Tousignant of Gladstone and Lenore (Richard) Hanson of Rapid River
10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, MaryJane in 2003, daughter, Debbie Gustafson in 2001, brother, Richard in 2009.
Bob’s family will receive friends on Thursday May 7, 2009 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone . Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert G. Olson will follow at 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home with L.L.M. David Mason of the Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Luncheon will follow services at the Stonington Township Hall. Graveside services with Military Rites conducted by the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Bay De Noc Township Cemetery in Stonington .
