Robert C. 'Ole' Olson

PENCE, Wis. - Robert C. "Ole" Olson from Pence, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 21, 2015, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born on Jan. 8, 1932, in Ironwood, Mich., to the late Clifford and Anna Marie (Swanson) Olson. He attended Ironwood Area Schools, graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1949. He worked at the A&P grocery store in Ironwood immediately following high school and up until he entered the Army in July 1952.

Bob served in the United States Army with the 315th Infantry during the Korean War from July 22, 1952, until April 21,1954. He was wounded on April 17, 1953, at Pork Chop Hill in Korea as a result of action with enemy forces. He was awarded with the Purple Heart, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze stars. He was honorably discharged in April 1954 because of injuries sustained in battle.

After returning home, he went back to work at the A&P store, where he met his future wife, Genevieve Brack. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior, earning a bachelor's degree in education. He then went on to work for the Ironwood School District as an elementary teacher at Norrie School for the next 32 years, retiring in June 1992.

During the summer months, Bob worked as a roofer and painter with various companies in the area, and on his own. For nearly 40 years it was a common sight to see Bob on a ladder, or on a roof shingling. He continued roofing until he was nearly 70 years old, and continued supervising his sons until recently. At the age of 73, he even helped shingle his home in Pence.

Following his retirement, he continued touching people's lives by working as a lift operator at Mount Zion Ski Hill. Bob also served as a Town of Pence supervisor for more than 30 years, and collected garbage and recycling for the town for over 20 years. His hobbies also included reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and playing cards and board games with his family. What Bob enjoyed most of all was spending time with his family. He looked forward to holidays and special occasions, knowing that he would have his entire family around him.

On June 20, 1959, Bob and Gen were united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, and they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past Saturday. Through the years they had six children: Cheryl (Ray) Koplin, of Boulder Junction, Joe (Kathy) Olson, of Pence, Renee (Andy Hamm), of Thiensville; Sandy, of Pence, Tom, of Hurley, and Bob, of Pence; nine grandchildren, Dan (Rachel) Koplin, Amy Koplin, Tim (Rachel) Koplin, Kaitlyn and Jared Olson, Anna and Alli Olson, Tylor Jackson, and Brooke Olson; and three great-grandchildren, Lucas, Matthew and Sawyer Koplin.

Bob was a very good athlete. He lettered in basketball, track and baseball throughout high school. He went on to play hardball for the Monarchs in Ironwood, and also played softball for the next 55 years for various teams throughout the area. Bob also was an avid bowler and received the U.S. Bowling Congress award for 11 strikes in a row in 2006. Bob also played horse shoes in the area league for 15 years. Bob golfed his entire life, but enjoyed the game even more when he could golf with his children and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed and played all types of sports but enjoyed coaching them even more. He coached everything from grade school basketball to women's softball. From 1982 to 2002, he coached the Binz Brother's women's softball team, reigning as one of the top teams throughout this time period. He also taught all of his children the numerous sports, and most importantly good sportsmanship. Bob was a huge Green Bay Packer fan, and a Chicago Cubs fan.

Bob was a kind, caring and generous son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He touched the lives of many people and instilled his admirable values in everyone he knew. He will be deeply missed by everyone.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister, Karen (Steve) Thomas; brother-in-law, Ed Blomquist; brother-in-law, Eugene (Marguarite) Brack; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Bertha Olson; his sister, Betty Blomquist; and his niece, Karen (Blomquist) Marczak.

Bob's family would like to thank Regional Hospice for all of their care and support over the past five months. They would also like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and support staff at Aspirus Grand View, Ironwood, and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley. Rev. Frank Kordek OFM will be the celebrant. Bob's family will receive relatives and friends from 9 a.m. until the time of mass at the church on Saturday. Military rites will be accorded by the VFW Post 1580 and the American Legion Post 58 combined Honor Guard of Hurley. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church hall.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory and the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Hurley and Ironwood has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Private online condolences can be sent [email protected].