Longtime Newberry resident, Vernard Nels “Ole” Olson, 88, died Tue afternoon Sep 8, 2020 at Golden Leaves Living Center.
Born Jun 8, 1932 in Harrietta, son of the late Nels and Goldie (Mercer) Olson, Ole was a 1951 graduate of Mesick High School. On Oct 24, 1952, Ole enlisted in the US Army serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge Oct 6, 1954 attaining the rank of Private First Class.
Ole worked for several years in road construction until his hiring at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center in 1965. He later transferred to the Department of Natural Resources employed as a Fire Officer until his retirement after 30 years of State of Michigan Service.
Ole loved the out of doors and spent most of his life working for the fire division during the summer and grooming snowmobile trails during the winter months. Ole was an avid fisherman, hunter, and especially enjoyed his family and berry picking.
Ole was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, member and former past Grand Knight of the knights of Columbus #2929 and member and past president of the Tahquamenon Sportsman’s Club. He also spent many years playing cribbage in the local cribbage league.
In addition to his parents, Ole is preceded in death by his brother, Aldon (Glenna) Olson, brothers-in-law, Michael Flint and J.D. Littlejohn, and sister-in-law, Donna Stampfler.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Patricia Stampfler of Newberry, whom he married Nov 3, 1962; a son, Gregory of Grand Rapids; granddaughters Katie Olson of WA and Rachel Olson of CA; siblings, Arlene Flint of Cadillac, Emma (Fred) Payne of Florence, AZ and Clara (Lloyd) Harold of Glenwood, IA; sister in law, Ann Littlejohn of McMillan; brother-in-law Jerome Stampfler of South Lyon; several nieces and nephews.
Due to the present gathering restrictions due to Covid 19, a friends and family gathering will take place at St. Gregory Catholic Church on Tue, Sep 22, 2020 from 10 am to 11 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am at the church with Fr. Marty Flynn officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at the East Lakefield Township Cemetery. Masks and social distancing will be required.
Memorials may be directed to St Gregory’s Catholic Church in his memory.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.