David P. Olson
June 09, 1969 - July 16, 2020
Obituary
FITCHBURG - David Patrick ‘Dave” Olson, age 51, of Fitchburg, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Dave grew up in Viroqua and moved to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin. He also studied electron microscopy at Madison Area Technical College. He traveled the world through his work. He was a field service representative at American Superconductor, a senior microscopist at Cameca Instruments, and most recently, a field service engineer at Thermo Fischer Scientific.
Dave was one of the most intelligent people with wide-ranging interests that covered everything from politics to cars and motorcycles. Through the years, he enjoyed going to races at Road America, spending time on his boat, and hanging out with his friends. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. Dave was an avid fan of music and sports. He was a big fan of Paul McCartney and the Beatles and enjoyed going to concerts. He was a fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers. Dave was quite handy, having helped his parents build their home and helping many friends with home renovation projects. Those who knew him, knew Dave to be a gentle, caring, big-hearted person with the best belly laugh.
David is survived by his parents, David and Patricia Olson of Stoughton; his grandmother, Lorraine Olson of Viroqua; his brothers, Erik and Alex (Kristen); his dog, Summer; and dozens of friends who cared for him deeply. He was a loving and caring uncle to one niece and five nephews.
A private memorial service will be held. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit David’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on Watch Webcast link at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020. A public visitation will be held outdoors at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, only 25 people are allowed out of their vehicles at one time. Social distancing and face masks are required.
“And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow…” Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
Events
Memorial Service
Fri Jul 31, 2020 @ 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Visitation
Fri Jul 31, 2020 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of David have been shared yet.
Memories
TM
Todd Meyer
Other •
Going to miss you brother. Thank you for all of the insightful conversations, being there for me when no one else was, the multitude of sporting events we watched and the epic laughers we had over the years. We will be seeing you down the road. Wish you were here..... Shine on brother!
Olson Family and Friends, my sincerest condolences go out to all of you.
OZ
Olivia Zech
Other •
I am the youngest of the Zech family, so for me I had the least amount of memories with Dave. But I was fortunate to meet him and know that your family was apart of our family growing up. I saw Rodney 2 months ago and I always ask how Dave is doing. I am so saddened that you family is going through this loss. Dave and your family was a great impact to my family lives. I just wish I was as fortunate to know him like all my siblings and parents did. Thinking of all of you during these tough times!
SF
Shea Fisher
Other •
I'm so sad to hear of Dave's passing. Dave was such a great friend. with a sharp wit, a kind demeanor and a fun spirit...from the time I met him back in college to recent times. The world has lost such a great man, it's a tragedy. My deepest condolences to the Olson family and everyone who loved Dave. I'll miss you my friend.
GM
Greg Melotte
Other •
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing! I worked with Dave at HES and at American Superconductor(AMSC) and traveled with him to some crazy places while we were at AMSC and had some great times together. I will miss him! All my very best to Alex and Kristen and the rest of the family!
AS
Annie Stroud
Other •
We were surprised to hear of Dave's passing. Your friends at CAMECA Instruments miss you popping in. May you rest in peace.
JP
John & Stephanie Padiasek
Other •
Our hearts are saddened by this terrible news. We have some great memories of spending time with Dave. We still laugh about the funny things he said - what a great, quick sense of humor. Our condolences go out to Dave's family. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.