MADISON - Long-time McFarland resident and former businessman, Kenneth Frank “Ken” Olson, of Ken's Automotive and U Ken Store, passed away on April 30, 2025.

Ken was born on February 24, 1934, to Peter Olson and Margaret Twillinger. He was married to Patsy Elaine Clark on September 10, 1955, in Beloit, Wis.

Together, Ken and Pat had four children, Lori Olson-Putz (Peter), Robert Olson, David Olson (Debra) and Dan Olson (Lisa); and eight grand and great-grandchildren, Derek (Julie Jordan) Putz, Ryan (Sara Doan) Putz, Josh (Rebekah) Olson, Alex (Megan Schumaker) Olson, Ethan Olson, Quinn Olson, Sasha Jordan-Putz and Vincent Jordan-Putz. Ken and Pat were also parents to a number of foreign exchange students who became family, Hector, Rene, Claudia, Valentina, Ricardo and their families. He is also survived by two sisters, Bonnie and Betty; and many nieces and nephews.

Ken was a Korean War-era Air Force Veteran and a long-time member of the Masonic Hiram Lodge #50, Scottish Rite. He was also a long-time member of the Zor Shrine as a member of the Camel Patrol. In addition, he had a wide range of hobbies, including towing banners over Badger football games, traveling around the country on a motorcycle with Pat, and converting a motorcoach to a motorhome.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Patsy; his parents; and his brothers and sisters, Donald, Robert, John, Olive, William, Larry, David and Michael.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to the Shriners Children Hospital or Common Grace Church, Madison, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Kenneth Frank Olson

February 24, 1934 - April 30, 2025

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