Theodore "Ted" P. Olson

STOUGHTON - Theodore Paul “Ted” Olson “Papa," age 78, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2025. He was born on March 1, 1947, in Monmouth, Ill.

Ted graduated from Stoughton High School in 1965, where he was a varsity wrestler and team captain. His strong work ethic and steady leadership followed him throughout his life.

Ted began his career as a draftsman creating line drawings for filters at Research Products in Madison. Over a remarkable 41-year career, he advanced through the organization and retired as a respected member of the upper management team. He took great pride in his work and the relationships he built along the way.

Deeply committed to his community, Ted served on the Stoughton School Board, including time as board president, and as a Dunkirk Town Supervisor. He was also an active member of the Optimist Club, always believing in supporting young people and the future of his community.

Ted’s love of youth involvement began early. As a young man, he was active in 4-H, showing Black Angus cattle throughout the Midwest and served as a Junior Achievement leader. As a dad and papa, he continued to give his time generously as a youth leader at church, and a dedicated chaperone for many youth group trips to Upper Michigan, Montana, and Texas. Ted also played softball for many years, coached softball, and helped coach the Lead Slingers Trap Shooting Team at the Stoughton Conservation Club, where he enjoyed mentoring young shooters.

A skilled and patient wood craftsman, Ted created beautiful custom projects, including cabinets and grandfather clocks, many of which will be cherished for generations. He loved the outdoors and embraced many outdoor pursuits. Ted was a Class A shotgun shooter and enjoyed numerous fishing and hunting trips up north, duck hunting out west, and in Saskatchewan. One of his most treasured memories was driving to Utah with his grandson on a cow elk hunting trip. He also delighted in four-wheeling adventures with family, friends, and grandchildren in the Northwoods.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Ann (Quam) Olson; daughters, Stephanie (Brad) Gilbert and Jennifer Olson; grandchildren, Thomas, Grace, Elisabeth, Anne Gilbert, Zoee and Brenna Clark, and their father, Bill Clark Jr. He is also survived by Wayne and Sandy Quam; Brent Quam; Gretchen and Greg Smerda and their children, Brody and Bennett; Susan Deneen; Lisa Deneen; Jessica and Allen Nielsen and their children, Jaxson and Addyson; Julie and Jeff Rice and their children, BJ, Ryan, and Hailey; his brother, Steve Olson and family; sister, Becky Norlin and family; sister-in-law, Mary Olson and family; along with many other relatives and many friends.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Miller and Jean Quam; brothers-in-law, Steve Quam and John Deneen; his very special uncle and aunt, Grant and Florence Soli; his parents, Bill and Marian Olson; his brother, David Olson; and his brother-in-law, Eric Norlin.

A funeral service will be held at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 310 E. Washington St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, with Pastor Bill Lehman presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  

Memorials may be made in Ted’s name to First Lutheran Church, Agrace HospiceCare or the Stoughton Conservation Club. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Natalia Uboha, Stacey, R.N. and the staff at UW Carbone Cancer Center, as well as the compassionate nurses and caregivers at Agrace HospiceCare, for their exceptional care and kindness.

Ted will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, love of family, and unwavering dedication to his community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590