Roy Donald Olson

Roy Donald Olson, age 93, of 1423 Michigan Avenue, Gladstone, passed away Wednesday July 19, 2017 at Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Bark River.
Roy was born January 1, 1924, the son of John and Esther Olson. He was a lifelong resident of Gladstone, graduating from Gladstone High School in 1942. In December of 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army where he became a Corporal. While in the service he participated in several campaigns, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged on November 17, 1945.
Roy was united in marriage to Marion Olson on June 24, 1950 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Following their marriage they made their home in Gladstone, where they raised their 5 children. Roy was employed at Clairmont Transfer Company, retiring in 1984. He shared 61 years of marriage with his wife Marion who passed away in 2011.
Roy was disciplined and organized. He took pride in a neat lawn and a clean car! He was an avid reader, and was once recognized by the Gladstone Public Library as the patron reading the most books in a year! He and his wife had a love of travel, especially to visit their children and grandchildren all over the nation and abroad.
Roy was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. He loved to sing, and for many years was a faithful member of the church choir. He had a beautiful bass voice. Even at years old he could sing along with the bass line of a hymn!
Roy was a great role model for his children and grandchildren.
He lived a life of quiet service. Family, friends and neighbors will remember him as someone who was always willing to help, never expecting thanks or recognition.
In addition to his wife, Roy was preceded in death by his brother Robert and his grandson Nate.
His survivors include
Sons: John (Kwanae) of Gig Harbor, WA; Scott of Gladstone; and Brian (Hazel) of Lexington Park, MD
Daughters: Kris of Indian River, MI; and Beth (Bill) Matzke of Alpena, MI
Grandchildren: Johnny (Randi), R.J (Cinthya), Joshua, Errol (Christine), Leslie, Benjamin (Denise), Sarah, Jennifer, Hannah, Andrea, and Isaac
Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Everly, L.J., Valentina, Kaden, Colin, and Benjamin.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Bark River for their care, compassion and humor in attending to Dad during his time with them.
Roy’s family will receive friends on Monday July 24, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life Roy Olson will follow at 5:00 pm with Tom Otis, Pastor officiating. Luncheon will follow in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Graveside services with military rites conducted by the Gladstone American Legion will be held on Tuesday July 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Fernwood Cemetery.