Thomas "Tom" William Olson

It is with a heavy heart that the Olson family announces the passing Thomas W. Olson at the age of 80. Tom is the loving husband to Lauri Olson and the father of 5 boys and 9 grandchildren. Tom passed away, on Friday, October 20, 2023 at his Traverse City home surrounded by his loving family. After a long and resilient battle with illness, he continued to teach us what grit and determination looks like up to his last moments. Dad was much like the Timex watch, he took a licking and kept on ticking. Tom’s life was filled with hard work, determination, resilience, adventure, laughter, and love. He will be missed and yet we find great peace knowing his suffering is now complete. Tom was born on February 13, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to the late William and Betty (Schramm) Olson. He married the love of his life, Laurene Dieter on September 14, 1963 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He had been employed as a sales consultant, with Wicks Lumber Company. He was the owner of Olson Contractors. Tom was involved in the community. He was very active with Garfield Twp. Fire Dept. as a firefighter. He was also an active part of various activities for his church. He volunteered for St. Francis Gladhandler for 20 years. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lauri, his five sons; Douglas (Robin) Olson, Michael (Kathleen) Olson, Gregory (Becky) Olson, Richard (DeeAnn) Olson and Kenneth (Jodi) Olson. Also surviving are his nine grandchildren; Ben, Ike, Jake, Molly, Kate, Ethan, Austin, Kaleigh and Max and two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Emily well as a sister, Claudia King. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ava Olson and a brother, James Olson and his parents. Friends are welcome to visit with Tom’s family from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday November 18, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St. in Traverse City. Fr. Anthony Citro will officiate. In honor of Tom’s granddaughter, Ava, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Cal’s Angels, 2422 W. Main St. Unit 3B, St. Charles, Illinois 60175. https://www.calsangels.org/. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Tom’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Thomas "Tom" William Olson

February 13, 1943 - October 20, 2023