Kenneth George Olesen

MADISON-A good man died Saturday, February 20, 2016, at the age of 73.  He was born June 27, 1942 on his grandparents farm in Sugar Bush, Wis. Ken was the second of five sons of Dale and Helen Olesen.  He graduated from New London High School and worked in the area until enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1963. Ken trained in the Air Force. In 1967, he took a job with the UW Zoology Department where he worked for 35 years receiving the Exceptional Performance Award in 1991.  Ken enjoyed woodworking, gardening and could repair just about anything.  Ken took great pride in building a bluebird sanctuary in Clintonville, Wis. He treasured the time spent with his family especially his first great-granddaughter Sophia with whom he had a special bond.  Ken is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Charlotte; daughter Bobbie; granddaughter Nicole (Alan); and great granddaughters Sophie and Lily.  Ken is further survived by four brothers, Dave (Jeanie), Jerry (Debi), Ron, Greg (Roxy); three sisters-in-law, Doris Frost, Janet George, Joanie Hansen; a brother-in-law, John (Jennie) Johnson; Godsons, T J Hansen and Matt Olesen; countless nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends and relatives who visited him while in Hospice Care.  He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Effie Johnson, father-in-law John Johnson, sister-in-law Becky Wood and brother-in-law, Reginald Johnson. A Celebration of Ken's Life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016, with military honors conducted at 3 p.m.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Ken you are forever in our hearts. Grief is the price of love. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761