Gary P. Olsen

Gary P. Olsen, 81 of St.Ignace passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon, May 23 at West Branch Regional Medical Center in West Branch. He was born November 15,1929 in Crystal Falls, MI. His parents were Harold & Lettie (Haines) Olsen. Gary graduated from Crystal Falls in 1948 and entered the US Navy. He spent over a year and was discharged in 1949 and was in the US Naval reserve, only to be called again in February, 1952 during the Korean War to serve another year and 10 months. He was a Boatwain\'s Mate Third Class. He then entered Northern Michigan University in Marquette, and graduated in 1958 with an degree in Education. He came to St.Ignace in 1958 and taught 32 years,retiring in 1990 as one of the most loved and respected teachers at LaSalle High School. He also taught drivers education, and taught hundreds in the community to drive.He was their favorite drivers ed. teacher . He also taught geography and science classes.. Gary served on the City Council for 16 years, and was Mayor Pro Tem all the years of service. He worked summers at the Straits State park over 27 years. He was a member of the St.Ignace Lions Club for 38 years, and was the Lion of the Year 3 times, also receiving the highest award in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Award in 1979.Gary was also the Secretary of the Lions Club many years. He is a member of NEA, MEA, Moose Lodge #999, American Legion, and very active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving on the church council many years. He loved antique cars and tractors and stationary engines. He showed his 1925 Studebaker ( which was the first car to cross the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 from the north side)and Model T roadster pickup at every St.Ignace Antique Car Show. for 35 years. He was known as Mr Fixit in the neighborhood, and he fixed many kids bikes and wagons.Gary will be missed by a loving family and the whole community of St.Ignace, as he was a " fixture" in St.Ignace. He attended high school sports and was a score keeper for ov er 25 years for every Basketball game in St.Ignace. On September 7,1957 he married Marlene Martinson in Crystal Falls, and she survives; sons, Mark and Colleen of Royal Oak; Brian and Trudy of St.Ignace; Jon and Connie of St.Ignace; his twin Joy and Lin Marolf of Williamsburg; a brother, Harding and Mae Olsen of Crystal Falls; 11 grandchildren, Robert, Dan, Kristen, Sarah, Courtney, Lauren, Rebecca, Mariah, Erik, Madison, & Gunner. A sister in law Ardith Olsen and the late Harold of Lambertville,MI. Friends may call at Dodson Funeral Home on Friday, May 27 from 4 to 8 pm. American Legion memorial service will be at 7 pm.. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 28 at 11 am at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in St.Ignace with Pastor Jeremy Winter officiating. Visitation will be also held at the church 1 hour prior to service time. Memorials may be directed to the Mackinac Straits Hospital Oncology Department with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home who assisted with arrangements. Burial will be Tuesday, May 31 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls at 1 pm. On line condolances may be left at dodson@dodsonfh.com.

Tributes

Gary P. Olsen

May 23, 2011