David Scott Olson
March 16, 1944 - April 23, 2026
Obituary
MADISON - After a brief stay at Agrace HospiceCare, Madison poet and artist David S. Olson passed away on Thursday morning, April 23, 2026. He was born March 16, 1944, in Cumberland, Wisconsin, the son of Hugh and Erleen Olson (nee Tewksbury). He graduated from Badger High School, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 1962. In 1964, David married Carol Wiggins, and they enjoyed many adventures together, traveling to New York and San Franciso, where David read his poetry and Carol sang at coffeehouses.
David worked for 44 years as a Library Assistant at the UW-Madison Memorial Library. He studied Asian religion, but his strong Catholic faith gave him his greatest solace.
David was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Penne Curella; and ex-wife, Carol Olson Gainer.
He is survived by his sons, Scott and Christopher; twin brother, Jon (Barbara) Olson; granddaughter, Claire Olson; and nephews and nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Be at Peace, David.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761