Donald Olson

Olson, Donald Miles COTTAGE GROVE Donald Miles Olson of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008. Born to Louis and Esther Gasner Olson in Ladysmith, Wisconsin on April 25, 1924, Don graduated from Highland High School in 1943. He counted his U.S. Navy Armed Guard service during World War II as one of his proudest actions, and was a V.F.W. member. Don served on the Church Council at Luther Memorial Church, where he was a longtime member. Employed by Oscar Mayer for more than 38 years, he was a union steward for Local 538. Don shared his passion and knowledge of baseball with many young players during 19 years of coaching V.F.W., American Legion, and Little League teams in Madison and Monona. Instrumental in establishing the East Side Hockey Association, he served as vice president of the Frank Allis P.T.A. He was a zealous fan and armchair coach to both Packers and Brewers, and always had a new joke or story to tell. Don married his Highland High sweetheart, Anita Bisarek Olson, on May 17, 1948. During more than 60 years of marriage, he was a loving and devoted husband and father to their children: Mary (Thomas B. Craig), Jonathan "Smoky Jon" Miles (Connie Stenjem) and Amy Lynne. Many relatives and dear friends survive him as well. Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Craig Jan-McMahon officiating.