Arthur Olsen

TRAVERSE CITY — Arthur Jay Olsen, 97, of Traverse City, died June 9, 2010, at home, surrounded by his family who loves him very much. Arthur was born in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of Alice and Arthur Olsen. He then moved to Detroit. Arthur graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1931 with a diploma in Drafting and Design. He worked at L.A. Young's as a Draftsman for 11 years. He was then employed by Fisher Body at the G.M. Tech. Center in Warren until his retirement in 1973. Arthur was on the interior design team for the first Corvette prototype in 1953. Specifically, he provided the seat design for the corvette from 1953 to 1958. Arthur loved going to the Detroit downtown YMCA with his son and finishing off the day at George's Coney Island in Greektown. As a young man he worked as a vendor at Tiger Stadium and Joe Louis Arena. Here he was able to witness sports greats such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Joe Louis. Many good times were also had watching Dave Bing and the Detroit Pistons play at COBO hall in the late '60s. Upon his retirement in 1973, he moved to Traverse City with his immediate family. He then took up square and round dancing with his wife, Helen, which they enjoyed for many years. Arthur was an avid and accomplished tennis player, which he continued as long as possible. He enjoyed 25 winters in Zephyrhills, Fla., with his wife. He enjoyed spicy foods and running in the Tampa Bay Gasparilla 5K Run. Arthur also enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in all their school sports activities. Arthur thrived on simplicity. One of his favorite movies was Disney's "Jungle Book". He really enjoyed the song "Bare Necessities of life". He loved the sound and power of Big Band Music. Ted Heath and Benny Goodman were played often and loudly. Arthur was a wonderful father and provider. All of his actions were selfless. He always put his family first. Arthur also had a deep compassion for all people. He hated to see anyone in pain or endure any form of suffering. Arthur was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen Olsen in 2000. Arthur is survived by his daughters, Carol (Hank) Krawczyk and Gloria (Larry) Gerou; his son, Arthur (Bonnie) Frank Olsen; his loving grandchildren, Kenny and Dorothy Krawczyk, Suzie Krawczyk, Maggie and Chad Bigger, and Sam and Katy Olsen. Arthur was also blessed with a unique and loving relationship with his great-grandchild, Helen Bigger. Helen's hugs, smiles and waves gave him much joy. His other great-grandchildren include Jasper, Heaven, Kenny and Jacob. A memorial service and gathering will be held at the family home at 331 W. 12th St. from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.