Raymond Olson

Raymond R. Olson “Big Ray”, passed away on March 27, 2018 at the Frederic Nursing and Rehab facility, he was previously of Webster, WI. Raymond was born at home to Axel and Freada (Dumjohn) Olson on November 3, 1930 and attended school in Siren until the 8 th grade. He was then drafted into the service in 1951, was active as a MP in the Marines until 1953, and then was in guards until 1959. In the late 60’s he was united in marriage to Irene Swonger. Raymond was a hobby farmer most of his life, but also worked on the Great Lakes Ore Boats, Penta Wood, Jack Links, Cut Pulp Wood, constructed bridges and the St. Croix Casino in Danbury. Ray loved to fish, especially at the local trout lake, hunt, drive around the lakes, drink warm beer and have an occasional snort of whiskey. During the winter he was always the first one to fall through the ice. Raymond is survived by his wife, Irene; children: Stacy (Jeremy) Hollis of Webster, WI, Lisa (Kent) Franklin of Amery, WI, Sonny (Rose) Snell of Ham Lake, MN, and Joy (Jerry) Kutchera of Spooner, WI; grandchildren: Marcus, Chelsea, Teagan (Zach), Hailey, Joshua (Janelle), Greg, Torrey, Tyson, Shari, Sheila (Joe) and Larry; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; sisters: Lavonne Olson, Linda Barrett, Janet Hokanson and Leona Curtis; brother, Harlo (Barb) Olson; sisters-in-law, Marjorie McCain and Jeanette Merrill. Plus, many nieces, nephews and extended family member. Preceded in death by parents, Axel and Freada Olson; parents in-law, Clarence and Violet Swonger; daughter Judy McDowell; grandson, Jerry Kutchera Jr; siblings: Betty Moser, Ken Olson, Mel Olson; sibling-in-laws, Otto Swonger, James McCain, Jack and Addie Swonger and Alice Beckwell. A Committal Service with full military honors will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. with Jack Swonger Jr. officiating. Please arrive 15 minutes early. A fellowship luncheon will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Webster Fire Department with visiting hour from 1-2:00 PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com