Hjalmar Alfred Olson

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died April 18, 2019

Hjalmar Alfred Olson, age 90, passed away early afternoon Thursday, April 18, 2019, at his home in Escanaba.

Hjalmar was born November 11, 1928, in Escanaba, the son of Hjalmar E. and Bernettie (Carlson) Olson. He was raised in Cornell and was a 1946 graduate of Escanaba High School.

Following high school, Hjalmar went to work on the boats as an able seaman. He worked for Pittsburgh Steamship Company before enlisting in the United States Army where he served his active duty enlistment from January of 1949 through January of 1950. Hjalmar then transferred to the Army Reserve serving until his honorable discharge in February of 1955.

On June 16, 1951, Hjalmar was united in marriage to the former Eleanore Porath at Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba. The couple resided in Escanaba and Wells before settling in Gladstone where they made their home and raised their four daughters. Eleanore preceded Hjalmar in death in 1980. Hjalmar eventually married the former Geneva Smith Iverson and together they made their home and spent many wonderful years together in Gladstone and Escanaba. Geneva preceded Hjalmar in death in 2012. Hjalmar was employed as a Letter Carrier/Mailman until his retirement.

Hjalmar was a life-long member of the Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Additionally, he was a long- standing member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354, a member of the former Moose Lodge and member of the Upper Peninsula, State and National Association of Letter Carriers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, writing songs and poetry, taking walks, traveling, and in later years playing blackjack at the casino.

Hjalmar is survived by:
Daughters: Lynn (Harland) Couillard, Diane (Rick) Kundracik,
Dorrie (John) Petr and Julie (Tom) Backlund
Brothers: James Olson, Melvin (Karen) Olson,
Gary (Anne) Olson and Dale (Connie) Olson
Sisters: Linnea Buckland, Ethel (Mick) Knierim and
Debbie (Craig) Krafcheck

Grandchildren:
Holly (Dave) Howes, Heather (Phil) DeMay,
Ryan (Mike Martin) Malcolm, Nicolas (Leslie) Malcolm,
Patrick (Jessica) Malcolm, Tiffany (Ward) Zeno,
Matt (Lindsey) Petr, Michael Backlund, Michelle Backlund and
Maria Backlund
Great Grandchildren:
Tanner and Ella Howes, Hayden and Logan DeMay, Reese, Riley and Alexia Malcolm

Special Friend: Delores
Hjalmar’s wives Eleanore and Geneva, parents Hjalmar E. and Bernettie, brother Clarence Olson, sister Linda Jackson, brother in law Dan Sundman and sister in law Elaine Olson preceded him in death.

Family will receive friends on Monday, from 4:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow visitation, at 5:00PM on Monday, at Central United Methodist Church, with Pastor Christine Bergquist officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Hjalmar will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Memorial Contributions in Hjalmar’s name may be directed to the Central United Methodist Church. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

6 Tributes for “Hjalmar Alfred Olson

    To Lynn, Diane, Dorrie, Julie, and their families: We were so saddened to hear about your dad’s passing. Not only was he a man of many talents, but (more importantly) he was a man who loved and cared for others, especially his family. During those times that we would meet up and chat during family functions, he would make it seem like we had just talked a week prior, when in fact it had been several years. His wit and charm were unmatched. Uncle Hjalmar will definitely be missed, but his legacy lives.
    Love you guys,
    Cory and Ellen

    Uncle Hjalmar was such an amazing man and will be missed. His smile would light up a room and his kindness will always be remembered. I have to work all day today so I may not be able to make the funeral but please know that I am thinking of everyone of his and my family members and my sympathy is with you all. He has such beautiful and loving daughters in you girls! Love you all. Gods speed Uncle Hjalmar, you are now with my dad! God bless. Linda.

    Our condolences on Hjalmar’s passing. Know that he is in a better place. We are so thankful that Hjalmar was with Geneva for so many years.

    Dear Lynn and family,
    I am so sorry to have learned of your father’s passing. From what I read in the obituary, he lived a full life. My apologies for not attending the visitation or funeral. It is inexcusable to have not paid my respects in that way. No reason other than forgetfulness.
    Keep him in your heart with good memories and love always.

    Lynn, Harland & Family~

    We send our condolences to you for the loss of your father.
    May he rest in peace.

    Sincerely~
    Cheryl (Kalishek) & Dennis

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