Calvin Lee Olson

MADISON, Wis. - Calvin Lee Olson passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born November 14, 1937, in Black Earth, the son of Earl and Buena Olson.

Cal was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Buena Olson; father, Earl Olson; and son-in-law, John Doris. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Olson (Madison); daughters, Sally Jackson (Deerfield) and Julie (Dave) Riddler (Ellicott City, Md.); stepchildren, Heather Titus (Sun Prairie), Scott Titus (Madison); and his brother, Ken (Barb) Olson (Black Earth).

Cal was a proud grandfather to Amber (Pete) Amundson, Jazmin Jackson, Brooks Jackson, Griffin (Heather) Riddler, Sasha Riddler, Jamie (Dillon) Muir, Jesse (Charles) Meyer and Max Titus. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Riley, Charleigh, Xavier, Archer, Dax and Charles Jr., and uncle to Dave (Kris), Jan (John) and Trygve (Marcie).

Cal grew up in Black Earth, where his dad ran the mill then moved to the family farm. After graduating from high school, Cal joined the military with three of his high school friends, after convincing his mother to sign for him because he was only 17. While in the U.S. Navy, Cal discovered his love for travel, adventure and flying. He was assigned to personnel office duty due to his high school typing skills and spent his four years in San Diego, Quonset Point, R.I., Christchurch, New Zealand, and six months as part of Operation Deep Freeze in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.

After returning to Wisconsin, Cal attended the College of Office Automation in Des Moines, Iowa, before taking a job at Ohio Medical and marrying his first wife, Georgia (Griffin). In 1963, they welcomed their daughter, Sally. Julie came along in 1966 and soon thereafter, Cal rekindled his love of flying by purchasing a Cessna. He loved taking the girls up in the plane and exploring the Wisconsin countryside.

On the work front, Cal transitioned to working as a federal meat inspector before transferring to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as a food inspector. He was transferred from Milwaukee back to the Madison office in the '80s and made a fortuitous decision to buy a house on Northbrook Drive in Middleton in 1991. His mother moved in with him and they soon discovered a friendly neighbor named Mary. While she was out painting porch furniture he wandered over and asked her out. They married in May 1994, and three years later Cal retired as a supervisor in the Division of Food Safety.  Cal, Mary and his mother moved to Sahuarita, Ariz., as snowbirds for six months a year and enjoyed both exploring the area and relaxing while looking at the mountains from their back patio. They enjoyed cruises, trips to St. Maarten, Palm Springs, Branson and Orlando among other places, sometimes traveling with family and friends. They also loved meeting up with life-long friends for dinners, outings, and laughs.

A lifelong Lutheran, Cal served as usher, council member, and participant in many other committees and gatherings at churches he attended both in Wisconsin and Arizona.  When he could no longer attend services, he made sure to always watch the "Worship at Bethel" service weekly on tv.  His strong faith sustained him throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, with a luncheon to follow.

Cal will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, love of flying, sense of humor and dedication to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Cal's name to the Dane County Humane Society or the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420