Eugene Olson

Eugene “Gene” Olson, age 91, of Siren, WI, died Sunday, November 27, 2016, at Traditions of Frederic. A child of the Great Depression and a member of “The Greatest Generation,” Gene was born on March 14, 1925, in Grantsburg, WI. Like a lot of kids, he went to school and worked. Unlike most kids, he worked from an early age to help support his widowed mother. Upon graduation from Grantsburg High School in May of 1943, Gene knew he would join many of his classmates in serving his country, fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. At the age of 18, within weeks of high school graduation, he followed his three siblings in serving his country and was off to complete Navy basic training in Farragut, Idaho. Gene received further training as a Radio Man, and was shipped out to the South Pacific to join Navy Task Group Taffy III, aboard the USS White Plains (CVE-66), a Casablanca class escort carrier. He had firsthand knowledge of many battles we only read about in history books: The Battle of Saipan, The Battle of Marianas, The Battle of Leyte Gulf, and others. He was awarded many medals including the Bronze Star with seven battle stars, the Navy Commendation Medal, the United States Presidential Citation, and a Philippines Presidential Unit Citation awarded by the Philippine Government. Gene was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 and went to the National Radio School in Minneapolis. On May 14, 1949, Gene married his beloved, Patricia Sisco, at the New English Lutheran Church in Grantsburg. They settled in Siren, WI, and raised five children: David, Daniel, Marsha, Brenda and Laura. Gene was a member of Siren Covenant Church, and actively served his community. He is a past Mayor of Siren, and was a member of the Siren Village Board. He was a member of the Siren Fire Department and the American Legion 0132 Lund Brown Post for many years. He had also served as a Boy Scout Leader. After 36 years of employment at the Northwestern Electric Company, Gene retired to their lake home, where many memories were made with Gene’s and Pat’s 12 grandchildren. Eugene will be remembered for his loyalty and dedication to his family, country and community. Preceding Gene in death is his wife, Patricia; and son, David. He is survived by his children: Daniel (Tricia) Olson, Marsha Olson, Brenda (Royce) Dunbar and Laura (Doug) Coyour; grandchildren: Seth Olson, Megan Olson, Dane Olson, Nicholas (Maggie) Psyhos, Andrew (Lexy) Psyhos, Christopher (Katie) Psyhos, Ian (Caitlyn) Dunbar, Harrison Dunbar, Mitchell (Kelsie) Coyour, Ashley (Chad) Crosby, Abigail (Ryan) Johnson, Jena (D.J.) Ryan; and great-grandchildren: Chase, Morgan and Joyel Crosby, Ryan, Newtyn and Esme Johnson and Ainsley Olson. The Funeral Service for Gene will be conducted on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:00am (visitation from 10-11am) at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren. Full military honors will conclude the service. Burial will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers are Eugene’s grandchildren. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com