Steven John Olsen
June 28, 1961 - January 16, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-Steven John Olsen, age 56, passed away at home on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. He was born on June 28, 1961, in Richland Center, the son of Robert and Edith (Tullis) Olsen. Steve graduated from La Follette High School, class of 1979. He was an outstanding student and a member of the swim team. Steve loved both vocal and instrumental music. He played the tuba in the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) for two years. Steve studied English/Linguistics at UW-Madison, then began a 29 year career with the Wisconsin Department of Correction’s Electronic Monitoring Center. Continuing his lifelong interest in music, Steve enjoyed praising Christ through music with choirs and ensembles at Grace Evangelical Church, where he was a charter member. He was also a founding/charter member and past president of the Choral Arts Society Chorale of Madison. A self-driven learner and voracious reader, Steve developed extensive knowledge in many areas including music, languages, naval and aviation history. Spending several days in Oshkosh at the EAA AirVenture “Fly In” was the highlight of his summer for many years. Steve is survived by his brothers, Larry (Faith) Olsen of Wilmore, Ky.; and Dennis (Jean) Olsen of Baraboo; his aunt, Mary Christensen of Evansville; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be held at GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 6925 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville. Memorials may be made to Grace Evangelical Church or Choral Arts Society of Chorale of Madison.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
CS
Christy Sturbaum
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Posts from DOC agents
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MC
Melissa Clausen
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Steve was a legend among the Probation & Parole Agents. He had the voice of a radio host. Whenever he answered the phone at the monitoring center, I would breathe a sigh of relief knowing that whatever problem I had, he knew how to fix it. I talked to Steve almost every week for 15 years. We never met in person but he will be missed. He was so funny! I will miss the stories he told. Condolences to his family.
KC
KaDee Callahan
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Though many of us never met Steve...he was the amazing voice you always hoped to hear when calling the monitoring center. You were thrilled when he answered the phone because first of all you heard the amazing voice but you also knew whatever problem you had would be solved quickly and right. He will be greatly missed by many !!! My condolences to his family.
MB
Mary Bechle
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I am retired but when I heard this amazing man passed away I was devastated. He was such an asset to many and I don't think I met one person who worked for the DOC who said an ill word about him. Steve will be sorely missed in all walks of his life. My condolences to his entire family to also include his DOC family as well. RIP Steve!!
KK
Kostas Korias
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Steve has earned my respect as a coworker and a human being. He had the ability to make everything seem doable and calm. His loss leaves all of us with that emty feeling and every time we call in to MC it will remind us that Steve, The voice , "the good Steve" not the other one (although he was good too but not like Steve) is gone...
SW
Sherri Wooten
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I was a Probation and Parole agent for 10 years and Steve, although i never met him in person, was my savior more than once. When agents call him a legend, it is true; we all knew his voice instantly and knew we would have the help weneeded. He had an amazing sense of humor and often made me laugh during a rough day. I am so sorry for your loss.