Harold C. Olson

He was born on October 15, 1938 in Escanaba, the son of Tyrus and Loretta (Villeneuve) Olson. Harold was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Holy Name High School.

After graduation, Harold became interested in the Benediction Brothers and served eight years at the St. John’s Abbey monastery in Collegeville, Minn. From there, he moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico where he worked for two years at the College of St. Anthony of Padua (Colegio San Antonio de Padua) as both the director of physical education and the swim coach.

Harold went on to marry his childhood neighbor, Susan Wagner. Together they adopted two children, Kathy and Chris. As a family they fostered many children over the years. Susan preceded him in death in 2002.

He worked at Mead Paper until his retirement in 1997.

Harold loved the outdoors and had many adventures with his dear friends, Stu, Skip, Lowell, Kim, and Mick. These expeditions included canoeing the boundary waters of Minnesota and hiking various national parks.

He was always a team player and especially enjoyed playing volleyball. He also liked racquetball, biking, sailing, fishing, and golfing. Harold was a proud volunteer, often donating his time to help out at St. Vincent de Paul or sharing his musical talent while entertaining the residents at Bishop Noa Home. He was a well-known jokester and even after his health declined, he always maintained a resilient, positive, and friendly attitude.

In 2010, Harold married Joanne Taylor. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed singing in the choir at church and supporting St. Vincent de Paul. They shared a strong faith, and were dedicated and active parishioners at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba.

Listed among survivors are his wife, Joanne Taylor; children, Kathy Hovatter and Chris Olson; grandchildren, Nicole (Mario) Leon and Eric Hovatter; sister, Cheryl Curtis; and many other relatives and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Tyrus and Loretta Olson; late wife, Susan Olson; and brother-in-law, Bill Curtis.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. At the conclusion of Mass, a meal will be served in the parish hall.

Inurnment will take place in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum.

The family respectfully asks that no flowers are ordered, and instead requests that memorial donations in Harold’s name be made to St. Anne’s Church, 817 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829.

A message of condolence can be shared by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting with the arrangements.