Obituary
Howard Peter Olson
Howard Olson, 91, passed away peacefully, March 31, at home,
with family by his side. Dad was a special husband, father, grandfather, brother and a dear friend to many.
Howard was born October 3, 1932, to Peter and Verna Olson. He was born, raised and grew up on a farm in Ferryville, WI. Howard was married to Leota Halverson and together they had six children.
He later married Jean Greene.
Growing up on a farm he learned all about milking cows, (which led him to being a cheesemaker and working in the dairy industry) and raising tobacco, as his Dad was a tobacco farmer. He loved to talk about those days and all of us children have many fond memories of the stories he would share with us.
He was a graduate of Seneca High School. During his high school years, he was an exceptional athlete. He played baseball and basketball and received many awards. He loved to share these stories as well.
His occupations included being a cheesemaker in Hokah, MN, a fieldman inspector for the Holmen Creamery and a fieldman supervisor for AMPI in Blair. He was also a milk hauler for Nesseth Trucking. After retirement he was a member of the Holmen Village Board. During those years he made many great friends. A special time for him, were his breakfast outings with those friends.
Howard loved sports. He was an avid Packer and Brewer fan and enjoyed watching his grandchildren at their sporting events. He dearly loved all his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Visits from them brought that huge smile to his face.
He would always tell everyone he was a stubborn Norwegian. That would make everyone chuckle and then we would all see that smile.
Howard will be lovingly remembered and is survived by his wife, Jean, five daughters, Roxine (Bill) Herrmann, Becky (Tim) Pretasky, Shelly Stone, Rita (Jeff) Hansen, Robyn (Dan Collins), one son, Peter (Kathy) Olson, twelve grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
He is also survived by a brother, Fred Olson and his first wife, Leota Olson.
He is further survived by Jean’s daughter, Beth (Tim) Besl and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Deanna Olson.
Our Dad was never without a smile, never without a helping hand, never without compassion. Loved by many, trusted by all.
We’ll keep his kindness in our heart…..the kindness he taught us all.
Dad, thank you for always saying “Love you, drive safe.”
Your smile is in our hearts forever.
We will miss you so much! “YOU WERE THE BEST!”
A funeral service to honor and remember Howard will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00, with a service to follow. Burial will be at a later date.
After the service lunch will be served at: Drugan’s Castle Mound,
W7665 Sylvester Road, Holmen, WI.
Good bye, Howard. To a great neighbor, good friend and a truly good man.
Larry & Theresa Ruff
With Deepest Sympathy in your loss of your loved one! You’re in our thoughts; prayers & hearts! I enjoyed waiting on Howard & Jean when I waitressed. Stan knew him from working for the Village. Rest in peace!
Condolences to the family of Howard. I worked with Howard when he served on the Village Board of Holmen. Very honorable man. I enjoyed my time with him and am am sure he will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. I worked with him while he was on the Village of Holmen Board. He was a warm and kind man. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Good bye uncle Howard. You will be missed by many. Thanks for all your smiles.
Praying for you Jean and the rest of the family. God said it was time for Howard to come home. We all have a time to meet Jesus. He is at rest now. God Bless you all as I know he is going to be missed. Call me anytime Jean. Love you.it’s
Sue and I lived next door to Howard & Jean for 25 years. A finer neighbor, friend, and man you could not find. He will be greatly missed. Our prayer’s to you Jean and all of the Olsen clan.
Tim and Sue
Condolences to the family of Howard. He was a very nice man. Take care
Howard & I were board members together. He will always be an icon to me. He definitely will always have a space in my heart. Howard, you definitely will be missed.
Howard will be missed by all. The times we were with him, he always had that infectious smile. Our sympathies to Jean and Howards family.
I’m sorry to hear that my cousin , Howard passed but thankful that he had his family with him. He will be welcomed by his many family members who passed before him. Hold those memories close to your heart .