Norman Clifford Olson, age 90, a longtime resident of the Town of Crystal, died at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Norman was born on December 24, 1929, near Gilman, Wisconsin, to parents Alfred and Esther (Palmeter) Olson.  The family moved to the Gull Lake area where he graduated from Spooner High School.  On December 12, 1951, he was united in marriage to Esther Haynes at the Faith Lutheran Church Parsonage in Spooner.  Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the US Army where he served in Korea until being released from active duty on November 20, 1953, and fully discharged on March 31, 1960.  After his release from active duty, he and Esther purchased land where they lived and built their home, raised their family, and lived until both of their deaths.  Norman began working as a pulp cutter, then went into construction for a time, and then farmed and worked for the Washburn County Highway Department for the vast majority of his working years.  Norman was a lover of the great outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.  He was always ready for a game of cards and for completing puzzles. 

Norman is survived by his children: Jean (Jim Neitzel) of Janesville, WI, Steven ( Jean) Olson of Spooner, WI, Kathy Miller of Janesville, WI, Gary (Lisa) Olson of Springbrook, WI, Linda (Steve) Snider of Rice Lake, WI, 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, brothers Lloyd "Toby" (Marie) Olson of Webster, WI, sisters Rhea LeMay of St. Paul, MN, Thea Olson of California, and many nephews and nieces.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther, and his siblings - Benny Arthur Olson, Lavonna Olson, and Neal Olson.

Due to the current health concern, no services are planned at this time.  A memorial service with interment at the Anah Cemetery will occur at a later date this summer.

Last Update: May 18, 2020 1:29 pm CDT