Alan Douglas Olson
June 01, 1947 - October 26, 2016
Obituary
MADISON/OREGON-Alan D. "Al" Olson has left us all too soon on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, as he suffered from chronic pain. He was born on June 1, 1947, the son of Harold and June (Burchette) Olson. Al graduated from Madison East High School in 1965. During high school he played hockey and was a member of the Madison East High School Band, playing trumpet. He continued playing in college with the UW Marching Band. Al received his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from UW Whitewater and his Master's Degree in Social Work from UW Madison. He was united in marriage to Pamela Berggren on June 28, 1968. Al worked at the Mental Health Center of Dane County for 38 years. He retired as Associate Manager of Crisis Intervention in 2013. Al was a proud recipient of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a distinguished service award. He tiressly worked for adequate service for those who have mental illness. Al enjoyed fishing, gardening, photography and trains. He was a member of the Oregon Dirty Knees Garden Club, and the Wisconsin Garden Railroad Society. But he truly enjoyed spending time with his family water skiing, boating, planning trips and simply being together. Al is survived by his wife, Pam of 48 years; son, Jason; daughter, Jillian (Gonzalo) Arias; grandchildren, Andrew and Samara Arias; sister, Linda Maloney; sister-in-law, Janis Phelps; brothers-in-law, Henry Phelps and Gordon Berggren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 4 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Survivors of Suicide, c/o Journey Mental Health Center, 25 Kessel Court, Suite 105, Madison, WI 53711, or the American Arthritis Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sat Nov 5, 2016 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Sat Nov 5, 2016 @ 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Alan have been shared yet.
Memories
MB
Michele Brogunier
Other •
My heartfelt sympathies to Pam and all of Al's family. He worked tirelessly for years caring for the most vulnerable among us. God bless his memory. We will always wish you could have stayed with us longer in this life.
SP
Sarah Penly
Other •
Al was a great neighbor. I always loved seeing him outside. I loved chatting with him. The girls loved going over and playing at their house. He did so much with the girls this summer by taking them to the zoo and feeding them meals. We will never forget dinner and games on Tuesday night. An amazing time to end the night with a great big hug from Al (and Pam). 12 hours after seeing Al our lives are changed forever. So sorry Pam, Jason, Jillian and the rest of your family and friends. We are here for you!
JP
Janis lee Phelps
Other •
I love and miss you so much Al. Your sister in law, Janis
RH
Rebecca Krebs Higgins
Other •
Years ago, Al & his wife were members of the fitness center that I owned. He was always happy and fun to talk to when he came in. You will definitely be missed, Al.
LM
Lucy Milani
Other •
Al was someone I enjoyed working with at Journey. I have known him for 26 years. We die not always agree but we were able to respectfully disagree. My heart has been heavy since I heard the news of his passing. My best to his family during this hard time
LS
Linda Stilley
Other •
Dear Pam and family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Our thoughts are with you.
Linda Stilley and Mark Derifield