Willard M Olson

MADISON- Willard M. Olson, age 80, of Madison passed away on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. He was born Feb. 7, 1937 in Arena Wis., the son of Alfred and Alice (Miller) Olson.  He married Carol Jean Baker on Aug. 30, 1958.  Willard graduated from Arena High School in 1955. He was a foreman, and retired after 42 years from Madison Concrete and Pipe in 2000.  Willard enjoyed time spent with his family and grandchildren at the cottage “Up North” and at the Wisconsin River, as well as traveling with his family and in-laws.  He was an avid outdoorsman and in his later years enjoyed watching and feeding wildlife at the cottage. Willard is survived by his wife, Carol; children and grandchildren, Deborah (Olson) Hurst, Cheryl Olson and Michael J. Hurst, Michael and Cindy (Peat) Olson; their children, Jessica Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Kristine Olson and Noah Olson; Denise Olson; Marc and Sharon (Vosen) Olson; their children, Maygan Olson and Sydney Olson; two siblings, Joann Kittleson and Edwin Olson; step-brother, Roger Peterson; as well as a special canine companion, Sandy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alice (Miller) Olson; three brothers, Donald Olson, Edward George (Edwin’s twin at birth) and Duane Olson; sister, Arlene (Olson) Spurley; and step-sister, Betty (Peterson) Carson.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CROSS PLAINS FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 2421 Church Street, Cross Plains, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Interment will immediately follow at the Arena Cemetery.   There will be a celebration luncheon at 2 p.m. at the Ewing-Olson VFW Post, 514 Willow St., Arena, Wis.  Memorials can be made to Agrace HospiceCare.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to the MFD Station 10 and EMT’s, Agrace Hospice caretakers, and the northside neighbors.