- Date Of Birth: February 19, 1925
- Date Of Death: May 4, 2016
- State: Michigan
Theodore Albert Olsen passed away in Kalamazoo MI on May 4, 2016 at the age of 91. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years Beatrice Mae (Nelson) Olsen, who passed away just six weeks prior. He is also predeceased by his parents LeRoy William Henry Olsen, Sr. and Ruth Anna (Lindeberg) Olsen Neitzel; his brothers LeRoy William Henry Olsen, Jr. and Stanley Frederick Olsen; half-brother Robert Allen Olsen; his step-father Harold Neitzel and his half-brother Harold Neitzel, Jr.
Theodore was born in DeKalb IL on February 19, 1925. His parents divorced in 1928. His mother remarried in 1933 and settled in Sycamore IL, and his father remarried and settled in Detroit MI. Throughout his life, Theodore always made sure to keep in touch with both his DeKalb and Detroit families. He left school after the ninth grade to help support the family, working various jobs including as a hotel elevator operator. From June 28, 1943 to March 7, 1945 Theodore served in the United States Navy, 114th Naval Construction Battalion, receiving an honorable discharge. Theodore met Beatrice on a blind date while she attended college in his hometown of DeKalb. With her encouragement, he earned his high school diploma and associate’s business degree. They were married at Sauganash Community Church in Chicago on September 4, 1948.
The couple settled in Libertyville IL to raise their five boys, later moving to Kalamazoo MI in 1970. For the main of his career, his was employed by Mead Corporation, retiring as District Sales Manager for the Otsego, MI mill in 1982. He also worked for Senior Services, Inc. in Kalamazoo for many years. Ted found strength and comfort in his Lutheran faith. He was confirmed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in DeKalb in 1939. When his family grew, he was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Mundelein IL. He was a dedicated member for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage MI for 46 years, adding his steadfast baritone to the choir. He celebrated his Swedish heritage and was active in the Vasa Order of America. He was excited to learn about his genealogy and often thanked family, friends and strangers with a hearty “ta sa mycket!”
He is survived by his five sons and their families: Thomas Craig Olsen and Margaret (Robart) Olsen of Kalamazoo and their children Mallory (and fiancé Victor Guerrieri) of Chicago, Logan and Evan, both of Kalamazoo; Eric Jon Olsen and Sara (Dejoras) Olsen of Minneapolis MN, and his children Sarah of Binghamton NY, Catherine and Thomas, both of Minneapolis; Howard Paul Olsen and his daughter Elizabeth of Kalamazoo and her mother Patricia (Lyons) Olsen of Comstock MI; Peter Andrew Olsen and Tammy (Gorby) Olsen of Lawton MI and their sons Jeffrey (and wife Shannon) of Kalamazoo and Matthew of Lawton; and Douglas Theodore Olsen and Maureen (Murphy) Olsen and their daughters Margaret and Anya, all of Needham MA.
He is also survived by his half-siblings Lorn Harmon Olsen and Janet Eda Olsen of Michigan and many nieces and nephews.
