Donald L. Olson

May 5, 1930 - October 8, 2013

Donald L. Olson of Cadillac passed away Tuesday morning, October 8, 2013 at his home. He was 83. He was born May 5, 1930 in Cadillac to Harry L. and Edith Marabelle (Goram) Olson. Mr. Olson served in the United States Air Force, 8th Air Force Strategic Air Command Delta Force, for five years and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned his Associates Degree from Ferris Institute of Design and began work for Michigan Department of Transportation for 35 years. He then retired for a brief period before working for Wilcox for three years before officially retiring. Mr. Olson was a member of First Baptist Church in Cadillac, since getting baptized there at seven years old. He served on the Christian Board of Education, Mens Brotherhood and loved working with the youth and children of the Church. Mr. Olson was a very Christian man and loved the Bible. He was an active skier and enjoyed working with the Cadillac Ski Team and was the past president of the Cadillac Ski Club. He also enjoyed golfing, designing landscape and spending time with his grandchildren. On December 17, 1949 in Cadillac he married the former Jean E. Podbilski and she survives him along with their daughters: Debra Schisser of Kentucky, Julie (Dr. John) Raymond of Manistee and Karie Tyler of Midland; grandchildren: Stacy, Kristy, Courtney, Travis and Kaitlyn "Kaity†and Andrew; seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harry Alvin Olson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Cadillac with Reverends Mike Stambaugh and James Martin officiating. Friends may meet the family Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac with full military rites under the auspices of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice or First Baptist Youth Ministry. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.